How to make the best out of a New Year
Elitia Barnes Too often I find myself stuck in a cycle of endless to-do lists. I end up feeling constantly behind, instead of proud of what I accomplished. When we set one specific goal, it brings everything else into focus and helps us prioritize what is truly important each day. This doesn’t mean throw out your daily planner, just try having one goal every day that takes priority. Pick something that is directly connected to your larger career or personal life plan. It feels amazing to end each day knowing you took one step closer toward reaching your life goals.
Staying hydrated is probably the easiest habit to do and yet so few of us actually drink enough water. Here’s the thing, water is our best friend. Our bodies are over 60% water. Everything from our skin to our brain needs water for optimal health. Water transports nutrients to our organs, flushes out toxins and even helps prevent wrinkles. Having a whole house filtration system in your home ensures your family will benefit from having clean, filtered water from every tap. One way I make drinking more water a habit is to bring a refillable water bottle everywhere I go.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the wrong environment to make the life changes we desire. Take a step back and consider if your friends and colleagues are building you up or holding you back. It can be really hard to make big changes or develop successful habits when we are surrounded by people who (for whatever reason) aren’t able to be supportive. Find other self-motivated people who inspire you and are excited for you to grow.
Sleep is often the first thing that suffers when we feel overwhelmed or stressed. Not getting enough rest is detrimental to our health in the long run. Our brains and bodies need rest. When we are sleep deprived our creative thinking, memory and ability to concentrate suffer. Some studies even show lack of sleep increases chronic health risks. When you make getting 7-8 hours of sleep a priority, you’ll be able to sustain higher levels of productivity during your waking hours.
Setting aside 10 minutes every morning or right before bed to write in a journal can help focus your whole day. You don’t need to be fancy or wax poetical, simply putting your thoughts to paper can help you process feelings and organize your thoughts. This can be especially beneficial when navigating new challenges with work or personal relationships.
With so many of us stuck behind a desk at all day, it’s important to remember to move our bodies. Exercise and stretch every day. If you can’t make it to the gym, doing a few jumping jacks or going for a walk at lunch will help boost your energy and relieve stress. Moving your body increases oxygen to the brain and can be a great way to clear the mind. I often find inspiration strikes when I’m on a walk.