Don’t worry. This isn’t going to be your typical New Year’s resolutions article where I tell you to plan your workouts and buy only fruits and veggies at the grocery store. While those are great goals to have, they are not always realistic and balanced. I compiled a list of tips to help your mind, body, and well-being this year that are actually achievable. 2020 was a very rough year for everyone, so let’s go into 2021 being kinder to ourselves and making small steps to big progress.
- Get Movement in Every Day
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Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been guilty of setting a New Year’s resolution to work out every day and do a whole lot of vigorous cardio. And then guess what happens? I get burnt out and slowly I stop doing my workouts. This doesn’t have to be you, girlfriend! Exercise is meant to be enjoyable; never a punishment for what you ate or your lack of movement during the day. Any kind of movement is movement! This can be a hardcore sweat sesh at the gym, or simply walking your dog around the block one time. It can be following a yoga video, or just taking five minutes to focus on your breathing. Moving air through your body is movement. If you have a busy or stressful day, and the only activity you can fit in is some breath work, that is totally okay. Listen to your body and what it is telling you. It will thank you.
- Take Rest Days
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This is so important! Your body needs rest! Try not to schedule work every single day in a row. Try to space out your personal life. Allow your mind and body to rest at least one day a week. It is essential in letting you recharge to do all of the things you love and need to get done throughout the week. If you are always pushing yourself through being tired and trying to tough it out, you are going to burn yourself out. Take a day to relax and put on your favorite show. Do some self-care and take the day at an easy pace. Nothing’s going anywhere.
- Add, Don’t Subtract
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This is my tip if you are trying to eat healthier this year. Don’t play the subtraction game. Stop trying to cut out all sugar, all dairy, all carbs, etc. Your body needs these food groups, and you don’t have to deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy to be healthy. Life is too short not to eat the piece of cake. It’s all about moderation. Instead of thinking about what you need to cut out of your diet, think about what you can add to it. Maybe spread some avocado on your piece of toast in the morning. Add some peanut butter to your apple when you need a snack. Slice up some strawberries to eat with your dinner on the side. Add those nutrients you need throughout the day and still enjoy the treats!
- Put Yourself First
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I have had to learn this lesson the hard way. I am one to never put myself first and always find it difficult to say “no” to others when they need help. I want to tell you that there comes a time when it is okay to be selfish and put your well-being first. You only have one body and mind in this life, so you need to take care of them. Stop stressing yourself out and being so busy. Stop saying “yes” every time someone asks you to come into work or do a favor for them. You are allowed to say “no” if you need to set boundaries for your well-being. Take care of yourself first. Know your limits and what you’re able to handle. If you are constantly giving away time to others, you won’t have any left for yourself and your own goals in life. You can still be a good person by setting limits.
- Make To-Do Lists
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Okay, hear me out. I know you have probably heard this tip at least one hundred times, but it truly keeps you so organized and feeling accomplished. In the morning, I encourage you to take a piece of paper and write down everything you want to get done that day. It can be little tasks too, like “make my bed” or “put gas in my car.” When you cross off an item, you will feel so accomplished and start to see all of the tasks you completed already. It will motivate you to get more things done once you see what you’re capable of. It also serves as a great reminder for important bills, assignments, appointments, and important deadlines you need to remember.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and are able to apply a few of them to your life! Remember to be kind to yourself and reward yourself for all of the amazing feats you’re accomplishing!
HCXO,
Rachel