The top New Year’s Resolution is to get in shape, or lose weight. It makes sense that after the excess of the holiday season people are ready to get back on track with their health and fitness. While working out and eating right certainly comes with its benefits, it’s important to resolve to more than physical improvement as the calendar page turns. In 2017, you need to look for ways to take care of YOU – mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Here are some simple ways to prioritize yourself and your time in the New Year:
Start the Day Alone
It’s easy to snooze through those first few alarms in the morning, but making the effort to get up a little bit earlier than needed can really pay off. When you have a few minutes to yourself – to drink that first cup of coffee or collect your thoughts – it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Sleep is important but so it setting yourself up for a successful day.
Learn Something New
Never stop challenging yourself. Your own self confidence will soar when you master a new thing so look for new avenues in 2017. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to go back to school (there are so many online options too), or join the community choir. Maybe you want to try a new form of fitness or train for your first marathon. Find the time for you to chase those dreams in 2017, no matter how large or small.
Reconnect with your Spouse
If you are married or in a long-term relationship, it’s important to your own happiness to nurture that connection. While your own identity belongs to you, the joy from a mutually fulfilling relationship can boost both partners’ life outlook. Travel together, work out together, cook together, host home poker games together, go grocery shopping together, watch your favorite TV shows together – just find ways to be a couple in the midst of a hectic life.
Say “No”
One of the most freeing realizations is that your time belongs to you. If you feel like you are constantly pulled several directions out of obligation, start saying “no” instead. It’s okay to save some of your precious time for your family – and for yourself. Decide before the New Year starts what things are a priority to you, and what things are unnecessary in your family schedule. From there, weed out the excess.
Look for the Positive
On the journey to self-improvement, we are often really hard on ourselves. Take the time to appreciate what you have already accomplished in your life, personally and otherwise. What are your favorite things about the life you currently live – not the one you are trying to create? Take it easy on yourself and accentuate the positive.
How will you resolve for better self-care in 2017?
