The start of a new year is the perfect time to begin a new habit or even break an old one. New beginnings beckon, and millions of people around the world make their resolutions.
This tradition started 4,000 years ago, when the Babylonians made promises to their gods and believed that if they kept their word they would be rewarded, while failure to keep their promises would land them in the gods’ bad books.
Though that’s no longer a worry for most of us, many people still like to start off the new year ‘right’, by making positive changes in their lives beginning January 1st. Looking to set your new year’s resolutions? Here are some to get you started.
Cancel negative self-talk
Though this can be a very difficult habit to break, it’s well worth the effort. Start off small by repeating affirmations to yourself every day. Remind yourself that you are trying your best and that you deserve the things you want. Remind yourself that you are beautiful and that you are loved. When you catch yourself saying negative things to yourself, put a stop to it.
Self-care routines
Taking care of your physical and mental health should always be a top priority, but unfortunately it isn’t always the case. Change that up by starting a self-care routine, even just a small one. Giving yourself the attention and love you deserve, letting yourself rest, and going easy on yourself are great habits to form.
Learn to say ‘no’
Some of us are better at saying no than others, but there is always room for improvement. Making excuses can be a thing of the past. You are not obligated to do anything that you don’t want to do. Liberate yourself by learning to say no.
A new hobby
Too often we let our daily lives become all about our work and responsibilities, whether professional or personal, but taking time off to do something just because you love it is so important! Revisit your old hobbies – the ones you had before the waves of responsibility hit – and revive it. If you’re having difficulty finding the time, make it something that is easy to do so that you can’t talk yourself out of it.
Spend time with people who make you happy
Companionship is one of our basic human needs, and after the last couple of years we’ve had, loneliness has reached an all-time high. It is so vital to spend quality time with your family, friends, and loved ones. This is something you actually need, so gift it to yourself.
Start believing in the good again
We are surrounded by negative news everywhere we look, but that doesn’t mean we need to focus on it. Give your mind a break and let it dwell more on happy things and happy times. Delete your social media if it’s having a negative impact on you. Imagine a happy and successful future for yourself. It’s the first step to making it happen.