Positive Mind, Positive Life, Positive Year
Simple Resolutions to Take into the New Year
Four out of ten of us make resolutions for the new year, and it’s not too late to join if you’re not in that group.
However, instead of choosing one of the more common efforts like losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly, we’d like to suggest a different type of New Year’s resolution: do something self-care related for yourself every day.
Self-care is the discipline of taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. It’s a great option for your New Year’s resolution because it’s very doable no matter where you are in life and a very holistic approach to bettering yourself. It’s a global approach to becoming the best version of yourself.
Self-care is about making lifestyle changes that will have lasting effects rather than working toward a one-time goal (which can also be rewarding but in a different way).
Here are some ideas for simple strategies to incorporate in the new year
Give yourself more compliments
Repeat after us: “Today is my day. I’m thankful for me.” Positive self-talk can help you focus on what’s good in your life.
Research shows that a little vitamin G (for gratitude) can make you feel happier and more satisfied and even improve your sleep. If you repeat an affirmation related to gratitude in the morning, you’re likely to show and feel more of it throughout that day.
Ease stress with kindness
Kindness toward yourself, that is! Recent research shows that practicing self-compassion slowed people’s heart rate and sweating, two symptoms our bodies produce when under chronic stress. So take some time each day to focus on something you love about yourself.
Say goodbye to toxic friends
It may feel impossible now, but there is a way to break up with a once friend turned frenemy without imploding your social life. Sometimes, ghosting is appropriate — but more often than not, approaching the situation with a structured conversation can help you get the closure you need to grow.
Play upbeat music
Blasting any happy-making tune can work multiple mind-body wonders including reducing pain during exercise, elevating mood, and lowering stress, research shows. So make a playlist — songs that uplift your spirit will do. To enjoy your playlist better, shop the much needed high quality headphones or earphones from Generation Insights.
Make your home more fragrant
Because smell is associated with the parts of the brain that process emotion and store memories, certain aromas can affect mood, says olfactory expert Rachel Herz, Ph.D., author of The Scent of Desire. Research shows that vanilla makes people more relaxed and joyful (mmm, baking), while peppermint can boost energy and lavender can zap stress. Find a variety of room fragrance, incense sticks and scented candles at Chandarana Foodplus.
Keep a journal
Did you know that journaling can help battle anxiety, stress, and depression? Even if you write only a few sentences, you can reap the benefits. You might be surprised at how this simple habit will help you record memories, express emotions, and find contentment.
Red chrysanthemum with note book on dark wooden table
Stay glued to the windows
Spending as much time outside as possible is a great thing for your health — but even when the weather becomes frigid, sunlight is crucial to regulate your mood throughout the day. Sunlight can help regulate our circadian rhythms, which directly impacts how productive we are as well. If you can’t find natural light in your home, try investing in a few supercharged lights for indoor living, and watch as your mood brightens over time. Shop indoor lighting from House of Leather & Gifts.
Bring a plant into your home
They might help reduce your stress and improve your productivity.
So you don’t have a green thumb. Although gardening can be intimidating to some, start small. Try your hand at growing indoor house plants or even container vegetable garden. Who doesn’t love fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes? Explore a variety of beautiful planters for your plants at House of Leather & Gifts.
mom and kid just bought a new plant for the garden at their house. happy family before gardening
Make chaotic zones (like the entryway) calm
Make the chaotic zone by the door a calm, happy space. Set up simple systems (a mail basket, a shoe bench, hooks) for tidying. Then move art or flowers from the living room and invest in a mirror or a colorful rug. Shop runners and other fancy rugs from Ahmed Carpet Centre.
Don’t let your laundry build up
We all know what it feels like to let clothes pile up for weeks, only to then be overwhelmed by the idea of washing them. By creating a more regular laundry schedule, you can avoid these feelings of stress—and always ensure that you’re well dressed.
Not a fan of doing laundry? Don’t sweat it. Habari Laundry & Dry Cleaners has got you covered. Simply give them call and enjoy pick up and drop off services as well as other cleaning services to leave your clothes impeccably clean.
Afro man with dreadlocks holding stack of folded jeans over isolated yellow background doing ok sign with fingers, excellent symbol
Get a full night’s sleep
The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get an average of seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble falling asleep (or wanting to go to bed), outfitting your sleep space with the coziest bedding can help. Shop cozy duvets and fleece blankets from Ahmed Carpet Centre.
Big comfortable bed in room
Become an early bird
As much as you may hate waking up early, Sleep Advisor suggests that doing so could be the trick to ushering in a healthier, happier life. In addition to giving you more time to exercise before work, waking up earlier is said to improve diet and quality of sleep, both of which have an immediate impact on mood.
Start walking
In 2022, walk more.
Walking is a great thing to do, good exercise, calming, relaxing, and it connects you with the places and people around you. When you walk more, you have more time to experience your environment at a pace that allows for reflection and observation. It’s by far the easiest way to get exercise, and just about everyone can do it without much equipment other than shoes and some clothing. Shop Bata for comfy shoes suitable for both walking and running.
Lift weights
If you’ve already nailed your cardio workouts in the past few years, why not try incorporating a new routine? A quality set of dumbbells can help elevate your workout, improve your stamina, and build muscle. Plus, they work well with many of the other gadgets in your home gym to reinvigorate your workout. Purchase dumbbells and exercise floor mats from House of Leather & Gifts.
Start doing yoga with your partner
A Sunday morning couples’ class could make Sunday afternoon much more fun. Experts at Loyola’s Sexual Wellness Clinic believe partner yoga helps couples get more comfortable with each other’s bodies, a boon for better sex. Solo yoga can increase enjoyment as well, affecting arousal, desire, and satisfaction — the practice helps relax your mind and strengthen pelvic muscles.
New to yoga? Start picking up a yoga mat from House of Leather & Gifts. Stream simple beginner classes from YouTube to get you started and remember to slowly ease into it.
Eat more veggies
We’ve been told this since we were itty-bitty children, but so many of us could use hearing it again. So let us repeat ourselves: Eat. More. Veggies. Whether you get them from your local grocery store or the farmer’s market, they’re better than constantly reaching for processed fast food and other heavy meal items. Drop by Chandarana Foodplus and select a variety of fresh veggies from their grocery section.
Chow down on blueberries and walnuts
Separately or together, these berries and nuts have health superpowers: Blueberries have been shown to help people with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and too much belly fat), and walnuts can help reduce LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol. Toss them on oatmeal or in a salad, and eat up for a healthier 2022!
Bonus tip: Explore a variety of berries and nuts at Chandarana Foodplus. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Flat lay top view at Fruit healthy muesli with banana strawberry almonds and blackberry with yogurt in clay dish on wooden kitchen table
Book your doctor’s appointments for the year
How long has it been since your last ophthalmologist appointment? What about your last visit with your PCP? And what about with your dermatologist or OBGYN? To save yourself from having to think about it, book your appointments at the start of the year and place them on your calendar from the get-go.
Bonus tip: Get FREE computerized eye checkups whenever you shop at Mila Opticals.
Travel somewhere new
If you’ve been keeping your getaways on the backburner, now’s the time to book the trip of a lifetime—or, at the very least, start saving for it. Explore the ever-new getaways with Bonfire Ventures that suit your vibe and budget.
Stay in Touch
If there’s one thing the past couple of years have proven, it’s that there’s no excuse for not staying in touch with those we love. With so many ways to connect—from texts and phone calls to email and virtual celebrations—there are endless ways to stay in touch from afar. Try to connect with a few people every week or so who aren’t on your favorites list. Plan a time to meet in person when it makes sense.
Try Something New Each Month
Who says your resolution has to be sticking to just one thing? Shake things up by setting a goal to try something new and different each month. If you’re a foodie, consider trying a new restaurant, recipe, or ingredient. Whatever goal you pick, start small, and work up to signing up for that pottery or dance class. Get creative and don’t forget to get your friends and family involved—they might help keep you accountable!
Whether it’s one of these suggestions or another simple self-care practice, focusing on your overall well-being is a great way to improve yourself in the new year 2022. Plus, focusing on a lifestyle change, rather than a goal you have to check off on your list, means that you are making a lasting change in your life for the better.
