I feel like by November/December every single year people over the age of 25 are all saying “wow, I can’t believe [insert year here] is almost over!” Add in the Pandemic and we all didn’t know what year/month/day it was for 75% of 2020. Fast forward and we are about to enter 2022, which is mind blowing. Never the less, it’ll be here before we know it and every one and their mother will be asking you what your New Year’s Resolutions are. Growing up, I wasn’t a huge New Year’s resolutions gal. People typically go for the standard resolutions including, lose weight, exercise more, eat less sugar, and while those are great goals, there are goals that are easier and lead to a more well-rounded lifestyle.
In today’s post, I am sharing 11 New Year’s resolutions that you can incorporate into your lifestyle, relatively easy. I plan on doing a post on what my personal resolutions are in the coming weeks, but I have to decide what those are first.
Carve out time for a walk daily: This was one of my only resolutions last year after I finished one full year of remote work. I found myself sitting in my desk all day, except for bathroom breaks and walks to the kitchen for food. I started a habit of walking Rex (my dog) every day around noon every single day. We usually only walk .5 miles, but it is the perfect mid-day break. In the winter, I used to not go outside while there was still sunlight and would be tied to my computer all day. Now it is such a routine that Rex sits next to me staring starting at 11:30am every single day.
Try out a new recipe each week: It doesn’t necessarily have to be each week, but I found trying out new recipes is a fun work week activity with Paul. Instead of eating something quick then watching tv the rest of the evening, try out a new recipe that might take longer to make, but it is a great way to switch things up.
Cook dinner on a night you usually order out: Paul and I have a tendency to eat out or order out on the weekends. This is an easy way to save some money, plus it tends to be healthier when you cook your own food.
Incorporate a to-do list into your daily routine: I love to-do lists because they make me feel productive and accomplished. Whether it is a to-do list at work or for weekend chores, try it out and see if you get more done. Paul and I recently made one together the day after we returned from St. Lucia. We had all day Sunday to prepare for the work week and we went to town with that to-do list.
Create a weekly cleaning schedule: I can’t remember when I started my weekly cleaning schedule, but I am hooked. I have an Erin Condren planner that is next to my work desk always. Each week I write down the same exact cleaning schedule and check off boxes as I go. For example, on MWF I need to do laundry and vacuum. On Tuesdays I clean the bathrooms and Thursdays I wash our sheets. There are additional chores that I add in when needed, but a cleaning schedule helped me create a strong routine.
Drink more water: I see this resolution everywhere and you’d think it is second nature. In the past few years, I had to consciously start making an effort to drink more water and now I am hydrated as ever. Paul on the other hand struggles and so he’ll use Mio or lemon juice to make the water a little more enjoyable. If you are skeptical, just google the benefits.
Create a monthly savings goal: I have always been a saver. My dad is pretty frugal so that is just another way I am very similar to him. In my marriage, Paul and I balance each other out when it comes to money. He is a spender so while his spending spontaneity can be fun (sometimes), my saving habits has helped us reach some of our financial goals. If you want to save more, start small. Create a monthly savings goal and reevaluate each month.
Try out therapy: There is a stigma that you have to be depressed, anxious, or going through trauma to go to therapy. That could be farthest from the truth. I did a 4-month therapy stint earlier this year when I was struggling with anxiety. I learned during therapy that you don’t have to be struggling to benefit from talking to a non-bias professional. Therapy is also like dating. You aren’t going to click with every therapist out there, so sometimes it may take some “dating around” to find the right match. If you are even remotely considering taking up therapy in the New Year, this is your sign to do it.
Plan weekend day trips in your area: I live in Colorado and because it is such a beautiful state, you’d think Paul and I would be out and about visiting new towns and seeing the sights. However, that is pretty rare and definitely something we could incorporate more into our weekend. Day trips are such an easy way to get out of your routine and explore somewhere new.
Make your bed daily: If you don’t do this already, just do it. I swear it only takes 2 minutes (maybe more if you have a ton of throw pillows). I promise you a nicely made bed will add a little extra completeness to your daily routine.
Clean out your closet and donate old clothes: I am about to donate a majority of Paul’s closet because he seriously only wears 7 shirts he has from Greyson Clothiers. Just kidding, I won’t touch his closet. Starting the New Year fresh with a clean closet and donating old clothes you no longer wear anymore is an easy task. Plus you can make room for all the new clothes you will buy in 2022!
Comment down below what your New Year’s resolutions are!
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xoxo Olivia
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