10 Healthy Habits To Start Before The New Year
We all want to start the new year with a new attitude and habits but typically find ourselves lacking by Valentine’s Day!
Studies have shown that it can take anywhere between 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. Getting a head start BEFORE the new year will encourage you to keep it going! By this time next year, those goals will be deeply engrained habits.
Need a bit of inspiration? Here are ten goals you can get started on now so that by the time the ball drops, you’ll already be in the swing of things!
- Morning Meditation & Affirmations
Set your alarm a few minutes earlier than usual and start your day with positive affirmations like “I am strong, confident, and capable” or “I will accomplish everything I set out to do today.” This can be combined with morning meditation for maximum effectiveness. Taking these few moments of time in the morning will help you ease into the hustle and bustle of each day with confidence and intention.
- Create A Cleaning Schedule
Break down cleaning tasks into smaller chunks that can be accomplished consistently over time. Instead of overwhelming yourself trying to clean everything at once, create a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule to guarantee all cleaning tasks are completed. This will ensure messes don't pile up and your home stays clean and tidy.
- Use A Daily Planner
Write down all your tasks, deadlines, and commitments in a daily planner to track what needs to be done and when you need to do it. Keeping a planner is an effective way to stay organized and on top of all your obligations to others and yourself while also giving you a sense of accomplishment as you cross tasks off your list.
- Create A Skincare Routine
Take some time to learn about your skin type, consult a professional if necessary, and find out which products are best for your skin and its needs. After establishing what works for your skin, create a daily skincare routine that involves cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing to help maintain healthy and glowing skin. Incorporate products that work best for you, and look into spa treatments like face masks and peels for extra pampering!
- Setup Screentime Restrictions
Set up a timer or screen time restrictions on your devices to help you track how much time you’re spending staring at your screen. Pay attention to which apps you spend the most time on and what you’re actually doing with your time on them. Setting up restrictions can help you spend your screen time more intentionally and effectively and keep you from doom-scrolling into the wee hours of the night.
- Meal Plan and Prep
Planning out your meals for the week and prepping them ahead of time can help you save time and money, as well as stay on track with healthy eating habits. Dedicate some time to shop for and prepare your meals in advance, so they are ready to be served throughout the week. Even if you want to eat out, planning ahead will save you time and help you to make fewer impulsive eating decisions.
- Go On Daily Walks
Set a goal to take at least one 20-minute walk each day in your neighborhood. Make those walks enjoyable by bringing along a friend, listening to music, or finding new routes to explore. Daily walks are a great way to increase physical activity and reduce stress.
- Set A Bedtime And Stick To It
Use an alarm or reminder to help you stick to your bedtime routine. Set the reminder for 30 minutes before bedtime to give yourself enough time to get ready for sleep. Make sure to establish a calming evening routine to help you wind down for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing breathing exercises.
- Make Your Bed Every Morning
Setting aside five minutes in the morning to make your bed helps set the tone for a productive day. Not only does it create an organized and calming space, but it also helps jump-start your motivation to get other tasks done.
- Write In A Journal
Try writing down something daily, even if it’s just a few lines that seem meaningless at the moment. To get the most out of journaling, take time to reflect on your experiences and feelings, express gratitude, or list goals you want to achieve. Writing in your journal can be a great way to get your thoughts out on paper and provide mental clarity for difficult situations.
Forming new habits and behaviors takes time and personal commitment. Establishing your desired habit or behavior before the start of the year will give you a head start and make it easier to maintain when the new year comes around. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself; start small and be consistent. Eventually, you’ll find that your daily habits were once just goals.
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