New Year, New You.
Change starts from within and it doesn’t get more real than that. However, that change can’t really happen if we don’t get the gears rolling ourselves. We can’t be better people if we don’t make the effort to smile, say hi and be kind. We can’t become healthier if we don’t change our diet and lifestyle. Get what I’m saying here?
These resolutions will not only make you a better you, they’ll make you a happier you too. Here’s to a new year!
1. I will stick to my true friends.
It’s time to start picking out your good friends from the bad ones. How can you tell? Stick to friends who are always supportive of you and lift you up. Stay away from friends who do nothing but pull you down. As much as possible, distance yourself from negative people; it’s important to keep all aspects of your life positive!
2. I will chomp on more greens.
You may not be a fan of vegetables, but this can no longer be the case. You’re getting older and you need to watch what you eat. I’m not saying you have to go vegetarian or forgo delicious chips forever. I’m just saying you need to balance things out and eat more veggies. Eventually, your body will get used to it… and who knows, you may even start liking the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables!
3. I will DIY more and buy less.
It’s time to get those hands working this 2016. You can save a lot of cash (which I’m sure is one of your financial goals this year) if you do stuff yourself instead of buying ready-made things. The internet is home to numerous DIY recipes, crafts and yes, wood work. Let your significant other join in on the fun as well. The more hands, the better!
4. I will decrease my alcohol consumption.
I can already see you shaking your head, but hear me out on this: there is a difference between occasional drinking and binge drinking. What we don’t like is the latter. Alcohol, when consumed in the right amount has its benefits. However, we both know that most people aren’t consuming just a glass of wine a day. Prolonged excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, alcoholism, cirrhosis, the list goes on and on. So, instead of creating bigger health issues for yourself down the line, cut back and little and make alcohol a treat.
5. I will snack healthily in between meals.
Want to lose weight and avoid overeating? Make snacking a habit. Snack in between meals so you don’t have to overeat at lunch and dinner. When you do snack, make sure it’s on healthy treats, rather than chips and cookies. I know it takes a lot of effort to make those conscious decisions, but you have the entire year to turn that effort into a habit. Your sexier body and increased levels of energy will thank you for it!
6. I will sleep more.
This is the year where you must prioritize sleeping. Every time you can get a snooze it, take it! Resting is very important for your body, especially with all the stress and hard work you endure every single day.
7. I will make better use of my time by helping others.
Let this be the year when you actually give back to humanity. See a homeless man, give him food or change. See a charity shop? Volunteer to work. Got extra time this week? Work at the homeless shelter. Have leftovers? Donate it to the foodbank. Remember, one person’s trash is another man’s treasure. Help out in whatever way you can because this will not only give you happiness, but will help make the world a better place for others.
8. I will run for a cause.
If you’re like me and running is the bane of your existence, maybe we can work to change our mindset together. This year, make it a point to join fun runs for a cause. You’ll be hitting two birds with one stone here. You’ll be healthier and will, in turn, give to a good cause. It’s a win-win situation. .
9. I will adopt a pet.
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family this year, I suggest you adopt instead of buy one from a pet store. Pay a visit to the animal shelter and I’m sure you’ll find a couple of pets you’ll fall in love with instantly. These pets are looking for a home and they silently hope everyday that someone will come in to give them shelter and love. Be that person, these animals deserve to be cared for too.
10. I will reconnect with people that matter in my life.
Have you lost connection with a friend or relative? This year, make it your goal to reconnect. Yes, that means making the first move. Perhaps it is time to leave the past arguments and bitter feelings behind and just look forward to building new and improved relationships with people that really matter. And when I say reconnect, I don’t mean add them as friends on Facebook or follow them on Twitter or Instagram. Make real life connections. Call them. Invite them for coffee. Stuff like that.
11. I will exercise regularly.
This is a phrase we hear over and over again and yet, we don’t do it! This 2016, just do it. It doesn’t matter if you hike a mountain, run miles, go up and down the stairs, or dance in front of the TV — as long as you participate in physical movement that makes you sweat, you’re burning calories! Get moving, girl!
12. I will stop making excuses.
Amen to that, sister! How many years have we been making excuses for ourselves? We can’t do this, we can’t do that. Aren’t you just tired of it? I sure am! The truth is, for every excuse we make, we set ourselves back two steps farther from making progress. So let’s stop making excuses starting today! Capiche?
As they say, slow and steady wins the race because, as we both know, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you work for and towards.