As much as we want to head into each new year with excitement and motivation, it’s not always that easy. While it can seem like new beginnings and fresh starts for some of us, New Year’s resolutions can also set us up for disappointment. There’s so much pressure to reach lofty goals like “exercise every day” and “lose 10 pounds.” While those are certainly valid resolutions to strive for, far-off or difficult goals can make the start of 2022 feel like a burden instead of a blessing. Is it not something we look forward to? Plus, it’s easy to lose motivation when you’re focused on a number on the scale or a specific guideline to follow.
Instead of heading into the new year with far-off goals that will only disappoint you, there are many small steps you can take to be your healthiest and happiest self this year (that you’ll Actually Keep it up! We’re running through 50 (yes, 50!) There are concrete steps you can take that will increase endorphins and help your health. While most of these steps are about diet and exercise, there are many other ways you can improve your wellbeing. After all, you could eat a perfectly clean diet and exercise every day, but if you’re not taking care of yourself in other ways, you can never be truly healthy. These are 50 things that you can do now to make your year more joyful and healthier. They have nothing to do with consuming less sugar or reducing calories.
1. Say “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry”
2. Every morning, make your bed
4. On days you don’t feel like exercising, try one of these workouts
6. Schedule all your doctor’s appointments for the year
7. Get Calm or Headspace meditation apps.
8. Sit in child’s pose for a minute when you’re stressed
9. Get flowers for yourself
10. Instead of texting, call a friend or coworker.
11. Try a wide range of fruits and veggies to get the full rainbow
12. Get fresh air by stargazing
13. Get a glass of water just before and after every meal
14. Start a cookbook club
16. Get out on more walks
17. Eliminate all news apps from your smartphone
18. Incorporate leafy greens in sauces, dips and dressings
19. Go to bed five minutes earlier every night until you’re waking up without an alarm clock
21. Get a vibrator or an app that helps you prioritize your sexual health.
22. De-clutter your phone’s playlists, photos, apps, and notes
23. Eat with self-love and not self-criticism to improve your relationship with food
27. Create a year-end theme, intention, or affirmation.
29. Instead of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), talk yourself into having JOMOJoyYou are missing out
31. Register for virtual events and online courses
33. Keep healthy snacks on hand at all times
34. Take a few minutes to walk around or take deep breaths during your workday.
35. You can leave your laptop in the bedroom
37. Make a list with your top 10 stress sources and find solutions.
38. Try a workout class you’ve never done before
39. Get the sun up early in the morning
40. Every day, add something healthy to your diet
41. While you watch TV, stretch your body.
43. Every meal can be spiced up with herbs and spices
45. Instead of eating fewer calories, try adding more nutrients to your diet.
46. For the week, chop and roast veggies
47. Send love ones text compliments
48. Turn on a playlist, and dance around the kitchen while you cook
Source: The Every Girl