Even if you’re one of those die-hard “the only resolution I make is to not make resolutions” people, you’re probably thinking about how you can make 2019 even better than 2018. New year’s resolutions may sound cliché, but the new year is a time when many people think about making changes to their life. If you’re thinking about your goals for next year, set yourself up for success. Here are some suggestions to making resolutions that will last.
Commit to Positivity
Restrictive resolutions, such as “I’m giving up sugar,” are harder to keep than positive ones. Tell yourself that you will eat an extra serving of vegetables each day or even that you’ll add more color to your meals. While you’re focusing on being positive, another way you can be successful is to have supportive people in your corner. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may need to change your environment to make it easier to cook when you get home.
Give Yourself a Break
You’re probably harder on yourself than you realize. Judging yourself against such harsh standards can really hold you back from happiness. Resolve to be a little easier on yourself this year. It’s not easy, but you can do it. When you mess up, treat yourself like you would your best friend. Fix the problem or make amends, but don’t beat yourself up.
Do Something You Love
Make time for what you enjoy. Schedule time for gardening, running, tennis or knitting. You know what your passion is. It’s easy to get caught up in family, work and community, so in 2019, resolve to spend two hours a week, or more, doing something that feeds your soul. Need more time in your day? Go through your schedule and mark off things that aren’t important to you. It’s okay to say no to things that you can do without.
Make Time for Yourself
In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to forget to take care of your own needs. Believe it or not, humans need some alone time each day. Again, you may need to schedule this at first. But over time, you should find that having 15 to 20 minutes of solitude can boost your creativity and give you a renewed sense of purpose. Meditate. Enjoy a cup of tea without work, kids or people. Close your eyes and dream.
Make Time for Health and Wellness
While you’re making time for yourself and putting important things into your calendar, schedule some time for fitness. Set goals that are specific, attainable and have time limits. Instead of joining a gym for a year, ask a friend to go with you for four weeks. If you don’t enjoy it, find another way to exercise. Walk. Play golf. Take dance lessons. You don’t have to torture yourself with exercise that doesn’t make you happy. There are lots of different ways to stay fit.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep can change everything. Being tired isn’t a way to live. Start by making sure you’re leaving enough time in your schedule to get a good night’s sleep. If you can’t sleep or don’t feel like you’re getting enough rest, look at what you’re doing. Maybe it’s time to invest in a new mattress or pillows. Think about how you go to sleep. Are you leaving the television on or do you play on your electronic device until you doze off? You may need to talk to your doctor. Sleep apnea is a common problem that can go undiagnosed.
Following through with resolutions is hard, but it’s easier when your resolutions are something that you can do. Wouldn’t you like to say that you’re keeping your resolutions by getting enough sleep and doing things that you love?
