A simple guide to help you achieve healthy and realistic New Year’s resolutions. Plus, 6 goals we recommend for a healthy 2022!
According to a study conducted by the University of Scranton, only 8 percent of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions. The reason for this statistic is that we fail to choose realistic goals. While the start of every year is a perfect opportunity to get rid of bad habits and create new routines, the primary way to succeed is to make small changes throughout the year.
Here are four simple tips to transform your New Year's resolutions into reality:
- Set realistic targets: An achievable goal that also challenges you will help you stay motivated. Realistic short-term goals are the steppingstones to making significant changes.
- Prioritize your tasks: Setting priorities will help you direct your attention to the most critical goals. It will enable you to spend your limited time more efficiently.
- Build micro habits: Micro habits are minor components of a more significant habit. These micro habits can help you achieve bigger goals by breaking down ambitious tasks into more achievable ones. For instance, if your goal is to run for 30 minutes every day, start by running for three or five minutes and gradually build on that.
- Learn from failure: Experiencing failure can teach you lessons that you would not have learned otherwise. Looking at your downfall will help you realize what changes you need to make to do better next time.
6 easy New Year’s resolutions that will keep you healthy in 2022
Do something creative for 30 minutes
A thirteen-day study found that those who were creative every day showed enormous levels of happiness. Picking up a creative habit like coloring, knitting, gardening and baking will not only alleviate stress and anxiety but will also boost your self-esteem. Making creative expression a part of your New Year’s resolution will increase your dopamine, making you feel motivated and good.
Start a journal
Keeping a journal can help you find peace in times of chaos. It is a self-care practice, the benefits of which have been lauded the world over. From staying committed to fitness to finding gratitude in the little things, a journal will keep you grounded while making positive changes in your career, social life and, most importantly, within yourself.
Read a few pages every day
Reading is an incredible stress-buster. In 2009, a study found that 30 minutes of reading reduced blood pressure, heart rate and psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did. Moreover, reading self-help books can help you achieve your New Year's resolutions more effectively by boosting your self-belief.
Perform an act of kindness
Kindness and compassion are pathways to general well-being and happiness. It can lower stress and enhance emotional health. Performing small acts of kindness every day, like giving your bus seat to someone who might need it more than you, can build a sense of belonging and decrease isolation.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise are boundless. It improves mood, sleep and overall health. It also minimizes anxiety, stress and depression. However, exercise can be very intimidating for some people. The key is to make exercise fun and to perform a physical activity that you enjoy. It is also important to remember that a bit of exercise is better than doing no movement at all. Even a modest amount of workouts can have a significant impact on your emotional and mental health.
Avoid caffeine. Try moringa.
Less caffeine means less anxiety and sound sleep. Replacing your morning coffee with a cup of moringa tea can give way to a more productive and less stressful day. Moringa is a nutrient-dense superfood that is full of vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. A good moringa herbal tea in the morning can feel incredibly refreshing and sets the pathway to living a healthier and balanced lifestyle.
Research indicates that self-compassion increases the possibility that you will succeed in any given endeavor. In contrast, self-criticism is associated with procrastination and stress. It is essential to be patient with yourself while pursuing your New Year's resolutions. Track your progress and look at your previous mistakes and unhealthy patterns as opportunities to learn and grow.
