Making Successful New Year’s Resolutions

Resolutions:

The holiday season is over, which means the new year is upon us! During this time of year, many people like to reset their lives. They create goals called “New Year’s resolutions.” These resolutions are year-long goals that they want to work on to be a better person and become the best version of themselves. Here are some new year’s resolutions you can add to your list, and later we’ll get into something much more elusive – how to hold to them.

1. Eat Healthier

Health is important, and there are a lot of unhealthy people. One of the most important aspects of life is eating. Eating healthy has many benefits; it gives you the energy you need for the day, and provides vitamins and nutrients needed to stay healthy. Eating healthy also helps prevent diet-related illnesses, such as cancer or type two diabetes.

2. Read More

There are many who don’t like reading. Although reading may not be the most fun hobby, it is still very useful. Reading can reduce stress and anxiety, and can provide an escape from daily life. If you are stressed at work or are having family issues, reading can take your mind off of these things for a while. Reading will also help relax you, so it’s a good activity to do right before bed.

3. Get More Sleep

While on the topic of sleep, one last resolution you can make for the new year is to get more rest. Proper sleep is another important factor in a healthy life. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep, and teens need at least eight hours. Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night will help you not get sick as often, reduce stress, improve your mood, make good decisions, and so much more. You should also go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day; your body is set on an internal clock, and it’s important not to mess it up.

Sticking it out

Imagining how to better yourself is the fun part. However, as the new year passes and days start to go by, people lose motivation and stop pursuing these goals. Eventually, giving up on your aspirations could lower your self-esteem, so commitment to these resolutions is crucial. To be a better you, discipline will always be superior to running on short lived motivations.

1. To Keep Eating Healthy:

Starting to eat healthy is a smart choice for anyone, but keeping up with it is where people begin to fumble. The first major tip is to keep junk food out of your house. Having access to junk food whenever possible could lead to a cycle of knowing you shouldn't eat it, consuming it, and then feeling guilty. It’s easy to feel shame, thus leading to a weaker resolve. Cutting out the source in the first place ends this sequence. 

Additionally, do not mindlessly cut out things from your diet. A good balance of carbs, protein, fiber, and naturally fatty foods is what keeps your body feeling good. Do not torture yourself by cutting off random things you see people say are bad. Furthermore, you do not need to stop eating your favorite meals that you deem unhealthy. You can rework your favorite meals to be lower calorie and higher protein, or reducing the initial portion and adding sides that include some of the four earlier listed components. Snacking doesn’t need to be taboo either, as there are many alternatives to unhealthy treats. For example, if you crave a crunch, wheat thins or peanut butter on rice crackers can replace the potato chips. 

2. To Keep Reading:

Reading is similar to exploring; in doing it, you discover all these different worlds and new perspectives. Some view it as a necessary task for being a smart and developed person. Reading does not need to feel like a chore. If you put in the work at the beginning, soon it’ll feel natural. 

Try to create a safe haven for reading. Make an enjoyable area for it, some place that doesn’t feel like you’re being forced to begrudgingly sit down and read. This may include finding somewhere you can bundle up with soft blankets and light a nice candle – gentle and warm touches to help you relax. Designate this spot as a reading spot; don’t use it to watch TV, scroll your phone, sleep, or do anything other than read. Think of when people only use a certain desk to work – their brains are gradually conditioned to only think and expect work when they sit at that desk. The same will happen if you put in the effort to create a reading spot. 

Find friends or communities you are already involved with that love books, or seek them out. Experienced readers offer recommendations and advice for new readers, while other beginners can offer support in dealing with intimidation, boredom, and excitement. Whoever it may be, you would not have to take your journey alone. Customizing your reading experience like this may be what you need to keep up with your reading goals.

3. To Keep Sleeping More:

Discipline is key to achieving better sleep. Establish a routine before bed, focusing on activities that lead to sleeping at the right time. It is easy to sabotage your efforts toward this goal. A good way to track your progress is by journaling. If you are starting the new year with poor sleeping habits, write down any issues you face. Trouble focusing, issues with memory, depression, etc. These problems may be linked to lack of sleep. 

With every day that passes that you achieve better sleep, write down the positives. Compare how you feel with the changes to how you felt with your previous sleep patterns. This evidence of increased wellness will hopefully lead you to stick to your schedule. Instead of inspiration that will dissolve quickly, you have motivation to persist with your healthy new schedule.

To better yourself and improve your lifestyle, you should set resolutions for the new year. The ideas provided are a great way to start. Here’s to a great 2024!

Sources:

namica.org

 www.nhsinform.scot

health.gov