Once again that time has come again. Isn’t it funny how we always, on a daily basis, have the chance to make our lives better? But somehow, there’s something different about a New Year. Something ceremonious and exciting and even magical, that makes you think and believe in possibilities.
Writing down or speaking out your New Year’s resolutions is almost a sacred tradition that gives hope and inspires you to believe that YES. Things can be different. You can do better. This is a new chance to reinvent yourself and truly have the life you want.
P.S. don’t forget to follow me @itsroxyjames on instagram & snapchat to follow along on my adventures, travels & unfiltered life!
I love everything about creating New Year’s Resolutions (NYR), but this year, I wanted to do it a little differently & break down my resolutions into categories to make it more realistic & manageable. I wanted this to be beneficial to as many people as I could, so I tried to create general guidelines that you can follow if you’re a bit lost on your NYR, or you just don’t know where to start. It’s basically 2018 New Year’s Resolutions made easy!
Feel free to pin the image, download it, print it out- whatever you need! Hope these 18 ways to a better 2018 can help you for the New Year- or any year!
1. read 15 minutes a day
So. many. reasons. why. Reading stimulates your mind, expands your vocabulary, improves your concentration and writing skills & helps you to escape the mundane, everyday routine that you may have grown accustomed to.
Right now I’m reading Inward by Yung Pueblo. It’s a collection of beautiful poetry and prose- you know the ones that make you absolutely swoon because it’s simple yet so powerful? You can also find him on instagram here.
2. stay up-to-date with current affairs
You need to be aware of what’s going on around you so that you can formulate your own educated opinions. It can also allow you the opportunity to assist or see the need to get involved.
3. use a planner/to-do list
Plain & simple, this will keep you from being overwhelmed and thinking your life is spiraling out of control. Let’s be honest, you’re really not going to remember it later so save yourself the extra stress: write down/use an app to remember what’s what.
4. practice gratitude in a journal
I’ve been using a gratitude journal for about 2 months now and I LOVE it. I use this one from my stationery line @itsprettyproductive here. It’s very easy to use and you only need 5 minutes to write down what you’re thankful for, your affirmations & good deed of the day. Using this put so much things into perspective and made me realize that things aren’t always as bad as they seem, and at the end of day, no matter how small, there are things to be thankful for.
5. take a social media detox
Social media can be a very toxic place where you’re constantly fall into a comparison trap, or a huge time wasting one. Taking a few hours a day, or even a full day, to be unplugged from it all, can help you recharge and live in the moment.
Read all about my mini social media detox earlier this year, and why I found it incredibly helpful & put things into perspective.
6. 10 minute tidy
If you always feel overwhelmed by clutter or you just think that things/items get out of control way too much or maybe you feel like your space is always untidy but you just don’t know where to start? Setting a timer (you can use your phone!) for 10 minutes everyday can help you stay organized & tackle small areas at a time.
7. eat clean
One of the simplest way to start eating clean is to cut down on processed food or fast food. It’s not about going on any kind of diet. Think about it as a lifestyle and one way you can kickstart the new year is by eating more wholesome or real foods.
8. always carry a water bottle
If you’re always tempted to buy a drink when you go out for meals, or when you leave the house, then it’s a good idea to always carry a water bottle that you can refill easily. Besides the benefits of always having water around you, think of how much money you’ll be saving from all the temptations of buying a drink whenever you feel thirsty.
9. exercise at least 30 minutes a day
Get your body moving and break a sweat everyday. You don’t even have to leave your house because there are tons of free resources and videos that you can use that don’t even require fancy gym equipment. Stop making excuses about why you can’t work out and just do it. You can even start with a 5 minute workout and increase the time as the days go by.
Need fitness motivation? Read here to find out all about my fitness journey, workouts, what I eat & more.
10. schedule doctor/dentist checkups
Health is something we often take for granted but it’s so important to realize that we’re human. Going to all of your appointments is super important not only for your general health, but also as a preventative measure and early detection.
11. learn a new skill
What new skill can you think of right now that can be an asset to your career? Think of a certification course that you can do that can increase your knowledge in your field & give you can edge.
12. start a savings account
Money is no good unless you have it. If you always dip into your funds, a great way is to have a savings account in a bank that you absolutely cannot touch. Whenever you get paid, transfer a portion to your savings account and allow it to grow.
13. use a budget
Take control of your expenses & start identifying where the hell your money is going. You don’t want to be spending mindlessly on fickle things, when you could be using your money for more worthwhile ventures.
14. experiences>material things
Material things are just that- things. Things & items come and go all the time. Instead of spending all your money on things you think you want, invest it in experiences.
15. practice self care
As busy as life gets, don’t forget to focus on YOU. Are you always on your feet- then get a monthly pedi. Maybe you really want that blow out. Or you just need some alone time to take a long soak in the bath? Quiet meditation? Find at least a monthly way to care for yourself or indulge in something to treat yourself.
16. travel more
Traveling gives you the chance to explore new cultures, taste new food, meet new people and learn different languages. It also challenges you, but it will definitely feel rewarding at the end of it all.
17. let go of the past
Holding on to toxic relationships, things or people that hurt you, really stops you from moving forward. Allow yourself to let go and heal.
18. find spirituality
Connect with something greater than yourself. A higher purpose or calling. It can be anything from going to church, listening to podcasts to improve your life, using sage to cleanse your space, healing crystals. Whatever makes you more connected or at peace.
If you have any other ways to improve your life this year, feel free to share!
Questions? Ask here.
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