We all what that fresh start and total reset at the beginning of a new year.
Unfortunately change is usually not that instant.
It won’t be a New Year, New You because growth takes time and effort.
But it can be a New Year, New Habits.
Quick Access
Gratitude
This new year make it a habit to practice gratitude daily.
Try to find 3 things every day to be grateful for.
I recommend doing it first thing in the morning, or before bed.
Even when times are tough, it’s important to appreciate what you already have.
Studies show that the more you count your blessings, the happier you are. We all want to be happier, right?
Mindfulness
Another new habit to try in the new year is to practice having a moment of mindfulness each day.
It can just be a single moment, we all have one moment.
Being mindful is simply the act of being fully conscious and present.
Even meditation isn’t about trying to clear your mind.
Meditation is more about being aware that your thoughts are just that – thoughts.
Try to let them pass without judgement.
Not only is meditation food for your mental health, but it’s good for your physical health too.
Prioritize Sleep
This year, make it a habit to get enough sleep.
For you that might mean 7 hours, or it might be 9.
Your body requires sleep to functional optimally.
Sleeping boosts your immune system, decreases inflammation and detoxifies your body.
“Sleep is not a luxury; it is an absolutely essential act of daily maintenance, and it is your daily ally in keeping your brain sharp and youthful.” – Frank Lipman, MD
Getting a good night’s sleep increases your ability to concentrate as well.
A study showed that sleep deprivation was comparable to legal intoxication in terms of cognitive and motor performance.
So make sure to get your rest!
Make Your Bed
Yes, every day.
Making your bed accomplishes your first task of the day and creates momentum.
A made bed also generally looks nicer than a messy one.
It’s a way to start your day off right and takes like 5 minutes so why not do it?
As far as new year new habits go, this is one of the easiest so you don’t have an excuse.
Move More
Maybe it’s getting into the habit of parking further away or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Just walking strengthens the muscles in your legs, improves your balance and builds bone mass – helping prevent osteoporosis later in life.
That being said, you should also work on a habit of regular exercise.
I think we all know that exercising gives us endorphins and generally makes us feel good.
I know that sticking to a regular exercise routine isn’t always easy, but you owe it to yourself.
You don’t have to do anything but walk.
Drink More Water
Are you really drinking enough water?
Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger because water is essential for your digestion.
Water helps flush out toxins from your body – especially your kidneys.
Increasing the amount of water you drink can also help with your energy levels and focus.
There are a few ways to increase your water intake even if you aren’t a big water fan.
You want to make a habit of drinking at least 1 liter (~34oz) of water each day.
Reading
Try to make a habit of reading a little bit every day.
Even if it’s one chapter, or even just one page.
Reading can reduce your stress, increase your knowledge and expand your perspective.
It can even improve your memory and vocabulary.
Not to mention that you can just read for pure entertainment.
There is a book out there for everyone – even if you don’t consider yourself a reader, you could try audio books.
I still say that nothing beats a good physical copy and a cup of tea though.
Journal
Make a habit of writing in a journal frequently.
Reflection is an essential part of growth.
Studies suggest that journaling can help your self-growth and be beneficial to your mental health as well.
Journaling is a powerful practice that has survived countless generations, you don’t need a reason to keep a journal.
You could simply write about the events of your life – our memories tend to be shorter than our journals.
Smaller Goals
This new year make a new habit of setting smaller goals.
Instead of a goal for the entire year, set one for each quarter.
90 days is the sweet spot for goals because it’s long enough for progress but short enough to keep you focused.
You can come back to your goal part way through and reflect on your progress.
Take a look at what is and isn’t working. Make adjustments as necessary.
Put It Away
Make a habit of putting things back where they belong when you’re done using them.
Every item in your house should have a place that it belongs when not in use.
It can be so easy to just set our things down on any open surface, or say we’ll put it away later.
If it takes less than 2 minutes – just put it away now.
Your personal space and environment can impact the way that you feel. A clear space can help clear your mind.
Self-Care
Make it a habit to practice more self-care.
It shouldn’t be something you finally do after you feel burned out, but something you do daily.
Self-care can come in so many different forms but really it’s taking care of yourself.
Find what recharges you and take even a little time from your busy schedule to meet more than your minimum needs.
Take care of yourself first and you will be able to give the world what’s best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
New year new habits can ultimately lead to an new improved you because it’s the little things we do on a daily basis that add up to big results.
We basically become the habits we practice on a daily basis.
Make this your best year yet with these new habits!
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(originally posted 2020/12/26 as 21 things to do in 2021 updated to new year new habits 2022/1/02 then edited again 2022/10/10)
1 Comment
Great content! Keep up the good work!