The turn of every year, invariably brings the same old cycle of resolutions, like hitting the gym everyday, losing weight, vow to stop eating carbs, giving up on desserts etc. Don’t set these long term goals as your new year’s resolution. You are doomed, once you put a year long stamp on it.
January is a classic time, to take a deeper look back into the year behind us and make plans for the year ahead. Let us consider the “not-so-typical” resolutions this time, as we embark upon the brand new year. Try contemplating resolutions, that you can integrate and make part of your daily life; and not the one’s which make you suffer every waking hour. Set simple goals which:
- gives you a feeling of progression rather than failure.
- are not so measurable, so that you can stick to them easily.
Here are some healthy resolutions you probably haven’t thought of; but the one’s you should definitely consider.
1. Start A Journal
Now you can write your resolutions in this journal, so you won’t forget them. I actually find this really hard to keep up, so I start small. Instead of daily journaling, I set one or two days to write everything I am feeling at that moment.
It could be absolutely nothing or it can be chock full of aggression and frustration or happiness and love. Whichever it is, it feels pretty amazing to put pen to paper, instead of taking it out on my hubby.
2. Try One New Food Every Week
I am a creature of habit, and literally eat kale and wild rice every day. I order the same take out every week, eat the same snacks and go to the same restaurants to order the same favorite meal. It’s annoying! Why? Because I fear bad food experiences. Why try something new, when you can have your usual that’s always good? Well that’s why. Because it’s always good, so why not explore something better? And if not better, at least you tried and now you know!
- Allow yourself to get out of your comfort food zone.
- Go to your favorite restaurant and choose a different entree.
- Research a new recipe.
- Go to the market and buy a fruit or veggie you rarely enjoy.
- Crave for something out of the norm, find it, and EAT IT!
3. Do What Kids Do
When I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I was obsessed with double dutch and punch ball. I am not thinking to run outside now to do both, but try an activity that you have always wanted to do as a little kid or used to do.
Some great activities would be: handstand, jump roping, playing in the mud, hide and go seek, roller skating and skateboarding. It is a great way to re-connect with your inner child and try something new while being active, too!
4. Do Less Work
My brother will probably kill me for this resolution, because he is one of the hardest working people I know; but I feel pretty passionate about this one. As I get older, I’m realizing how much time is lost from moments of peace and quiet and downtime. For as long as I can remember, I have always had 2-3 jobs, basically working my ass off and around the clock. Having started my own business last year, I find myself working even harder and for longer hours. If you are one of the same, join me and consider setting some boundaries.
- Allow yourself to shut down after a certain time. Turn off your phone, computer, tablet and enjoy some quality time with the people that you love or simply being on your own.
- Manage and maximize your time carefully, to be more efficient when working. This will help you find more time to relax and enjoy life (definitely apply this to your workouts, too).
Be Realistic
You are probably surprised that, as a personal trainer and yoga teacher, I am not asking you to set weight loss goals or take more yoga classes. Through my years in the fitness industry, I see the motivation every new year followed by frustration months after. It is disheartening to see that people get discouraged because they’ve set goals that are too challenging to achieve, simply because they don’t have all the tools.
So when making your New Year’s resolutions, be realistic and kind to yourself. Consider one that you can actually stick to and make a part of your life…for the rest of your life! HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
