New Year 2016 is here and it’s that time again when people talk about their previous year and reflect upon it. Many of us also make resolutions in our heads for the upcoming year.
Brace yourselves for the “I’ll definitely study harder this year and get good grades”, “I’m going to lose weight and work out” and so on and so forth. They’re definitely coming your way somehow. But New Year resolutions don’t necessarily have to be very overwhelming.
It is actually better to come up with and set simple, doable goals. As humans it is better for us to kick start with something simple and then build it up slowly. Are you thinking about what is it you can do this year to make it better?
Read ahead from some very simple 16 things you can do to make the New Year a better year.
GO TO BED EARLY
Not a morning person? Ever wondered maybe it’s because you go to bed late? “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Our ancestors didn’t make that adage popular for nothing. It is actually true. I do not promise any wealth, I do promise a productive day and fresher you in the morning.
SAY NO TO JUNK FOOD
Everybody wants to lose weight, workout and get in shape. But it sounds like a lot of work. “Let’s just forget about it and snack on some packet chips,” many might believe. I think it is time that we say no to that attitude. While packet chips may not appear oily and loaded with unhealthy calories, they are just as bad. Burgers, fries, pizzas etc are unnecessarily calories that also decrease your daily productivity by making you lazy.
Have 3 meals every day and try having as many homemade meals as possible.
EXERCISE!
You do not need a gym with equipment to work out or a pool to swim in to loose calories. Just walking around the block for a good 45 minutes is beneficial for your body. Browse on YouTube for workouts at home for beginners (look for aerobics, zumba, and yoga) and follow those. The key is to be consistent and not cheat!
MAKE A TO-DO LIST
Worried about your daily productivity? Fret not. One of your early morning tasks should be to note down all the things you expect yourself to do throughout the day. Make sure the list is not far from doable. Every time you find yourself procrastinating, go back to the list and pick a task to finish.
MAKE A DID-LIST
At the end of each day, list-down all the things you did. This is really good for your self-analysis and even your self-confidence.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
With busy schedules, it is not alien to not have time for your old or even recent and close friends. But with smartphones and social networking apps, it shouldn’t be all that much of a challenge. Just type a “Hey, long time. Miss you!” – This should do.
BE GOOD TO FAMILY
Promise to be less cranky with your parents. If you ever feel like they don’t understand you, remember all the times they did. Breathe. And now move on and give them a hug.
MEDITATE
We all need some time off every now and then. Meditation is healthy for the mind and body. Spending time alone, deep breathing and reflecting on your actions is always a great idea.
DRINK YOUR MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF WATER
Make it a point to drink eight glasses of water a day. It does more good than you may think.
STAY CALM
A lot of things might not go the way you want them to. Just have faith that everything happens for a reason. Count backwards and stay calm.
STAY HAPPY
Know that happiness is a state of mind. It comes with inner peace and contentment. Constantly wanting for more will never make you feel happy enough.
BE CONFIDENT
Always stand with good posture and walk tall.
LEARN TO SAY NO
Say no to commitments you can’t fulfill. Learn to choose yourself first.
READ
It’s always good to read something to uplift yourself every day. And it makes for some much-needed exercise for your mind.
TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Spend a day or two unplugged from social media. You’ll feel the difference around you and you will be more in sync with your environment.
MEET NEW PEOPLE!
There is no harm in expanding your social circle. In fact, meeting new people often leads to our development and learning. Feel free to mingle and do not say no to social events.
Make a point to follow these 16 points. You will see a marked difference in your lifestyle.
Happy New Year Everyone!
