Realistic Resolutions
New Years Day has a reputation for being a fix-all, fresh start.
We long to wake up on January 1st refreshed and ready to achieve all of our life’s biggest dreams! But the truth is, the beginning is an exhausting time of the year. Life gets in the way of timelines we once thought were attainable, and sometimes, we bite off a bit more than we can chew.
So now, a few weeks into this new year, some of us may be teetering away from the resolutions we felt confident about on that first day of 2020. Oftentimes, the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year are unrealistic. While having goals is important, it is equally important to set maintainable ones. That’s why instead of making a finite resolution, let’s aim for intentions and feeling good for the long term, Squad!
It may be a New Year, but it’s the same YOU!
Setting realistic intentions, while maintaining long-term goals, can help us to stay thriving in this new year without harboring a sense of disappointment.
Here are some realistic intentions to think about:
Spend more time with yourself, for yourself:
YOU are the most important person in your life. Time spent reflecting on ourselves, with ourselves, is important. This year, try learning to be okay with spending time by yourself. Maybe say no to a few things that aren’t serving you, and use that time for YOU! Check in on yourself, what do you need today? A walk in the park, a trip to your favorite coffee shop, or even a solo weekend get-away could be just the experience you need.
2. Pick up a creative habit:
Creativity is a great way to get your brain working and to relieve stress. Take a break from work and try something new! Maybe learn to knit, practice an instrument, pick up a new book, or try journaling.
3. Spend less time on your phone:
Put those screens down, Squad!! When we limit time spent on our phones, it opens up time to enjoy so many other things. Save the hours spent consumed by distraction; use it to cook breakfast, get ahead on work, or fit that workout in!
4. Drink more water:
Hydration is so important! Oftentimes we forget about keeping our bodies fueled with water, we need it! Water contributes to our overall health, it also can help keep skin clear and produces energy in the body. Try setting a goal to increase your water intake this new year… and stop using those plastic bottles! Buy a reusable water bottle and carry it with you all day!
5. Prioritize sleep:
Sometimes bedtime gets pushed back in order for us to complete our daily to-do lists. This year, SLEEP is the top of your to do-list! Getting a good sleep helps us stay productive, aides in a better mentality, and contributes to our overall health and wellness. So try setting a bedtime, and making it nonnegotiable. Maybe you will find that you never needed to stay up late in the first place!
When we place these small, attainable intentions into our lives, it sets us up to achieve those big long-term goals that we dreamt of on January 1st. This time of year we spend a lot of time thinking about the things we want to change or fix. But remember, YOU ARE GREAT just as you are. Keep it up, Squad! Happy New Year!