Happy New Year, everyone! The pinecone has dropped, heralding the arrival of 2019 and with it, the official start date of thousands of transformative goals (aka New Year’s Resolutions). A time-honored tradition, New Year’s resolutions result after much reflection; usually looking back on the past twelve months.
Popular resolutions, according to a 2018 YouGov poll, include exercising more, eating healthier, and saving money. Unfortunately, making goals without a plan or goals that are far too big is what often causes people to run out of steam, thus derailing their “New Year, New Me” endeavors by February or so.
Here are five tips to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions and make 2019 your best year, yet …
Find Your “Why”
One of the biggest reasons that we tend to stop working on our resolutions is because we are not doing it for the right reasons. It is hard to maintain momentum if your resolutions lack purpose or they are for anyone other than yourself. The secret here is to understand your “why.” Why do you want to lose weight, payoff debt, or do whatever your resolution is this year? Your why is your motivation. It is what will inspire you to continue pushing forward until you have achieved all your goals for the year.
Create Specific Goals
The more specific a goal is, the more likely you are to see it through until the end. On the same note, it is also wise to make small, specific goals. Resolving to exercise more or save money, while good goals, are too general. Clearly define your goals by scheduling workouts three or four times a week or saving $20 a week by packing your lunch two more days. Each time you achieve a small, specific goal, celebrate your success. Also, if you have a less than stellar week, do not get discouraged. Remember that every day is a new day to begin fresh.
Foster Good Sleep Every Night
Getting enough shut-eye will energize you to pursue your goals in the New Year. It is also vital to your overall well-being. You should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, seven nights a week, according to the National Sleep Foundation. To achieve this, you will want to set the scene for restful slumber by sticking to the same schedule each night, even on the weekends; practicing a relaxing bedtime ritual (meditate!); keeping your bedroom as dark as possible; and protecting yourself from blue light by setting aside all electronic devices two to three hours before bed.
Prioritize Your Own Well-being First
When you fly on an airplane, you are instructed to “put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.” While this advice may go against our best judgement, you cannot help anyone – even yourself, if you do not take it. To keep you New Year’s resolutions, you needmust prioritize self-care, nourishing your overall well-being first. In just 20 minutes a day, you can gain clarity, increase motivation and improve relationships. Some simple, daily self-care rituals include:
- Meditating
- Unplugging
- Reading a good book
- Writing in a gratitude journal
- Sitting down to a home cooked meal
- Hitting up a local hiking trail (exercise + nature = happiness)
Track Your Resolution Progress Daily
Whether you are determined to eat healthier, get in shape or improve your finances, documenting your progress will help you keep your focus and keep moving towards your goals. This act ultimately holds you accountable. Keep track of your resolution progress with apps, like Strides (iOS) or Habit Tracker (Android), MyFitness Pal (iOS and Android), Mint: Personal Finance and Money (iOS and Android), and Debt Payoff Planner (iOS and Android). Of course, you can also track your progress in a journal. Try to track progress several times a day to avoid forgetting.
Located on 7th St. and Bethany Home Rd., Healthy Habit Health Foods is committed to supporting your healthy way of life with the finest quality fresh, natural, organic and whole foods, nutritional products, body care products, and health information you can trust. Here is to a New Year filled with much success, happiness, and prosperity!
