It’s almost time for 2021! A new year is an opportunity to assess the passing year and to set some new goals. Although something tells us looking back at 2020 might not be such a fun idea, there may have been some simple changes in our lives we appreciated and want to build upon. So how about we start fresh and go straight to making 2021 the best year yet!
New Year’s Resolutions
A lot of folks make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 8% keep them. This statistic is actually not that surprising when you consider that most people make sweeping resolutions that require them to make massive changes.
Deciding to stop biting your nails cold-turkey or becoming a newly minted regular at the gym might sound enticing. But in reality – change is hard. Making unattainable resolutions, or biting off more than you can chew, results in most people giving up on their plans by February.
However, there is a way you can approach the New Year as an opportunity and make some lasting changes. Here are some simple ideas that will help you make the most of the New Year, and maybe you can actually stick to them all year long!
Get Rid of Small Distractions
One way to streamline your life in the New Year is to look at all the small time-wasters in your life. Picking up your phone to quickly scan through your social media apps may seem like an innocent pastime. But these micro time-wasters really add up.
American people spend about 5.4 hours a day on their phones. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll get done if you become more mindful about your phone use. Focusing on important tasks without taking phone breaks can streamline your productivity and allow you to get more done every day. Try working for 20 minutes with 2-minute phone breaks in between. Then gradually up your game to longer and longer breaks!
Get Some ZZZs
Sleep is entirely underrated in today’s fast-paced society. Making sure you get enough good quality rest every night is actually extremely important. Your body and brain use the time you are asleep to regenerate.
Adequate sleep also plays an essential role in immune function, memory, learning, and metabolism. Paying more attention to your sleep schedule can make you more energized, productive, and ready to take on the new year!
Try getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. To ensure an uninterrupted night of sleep, try using helpful tools like sound machines and sleep masks, and black-out curtains!
Celebrate Small Victories
Celebrating small victories and practicing gratitude is not only good for your happiness, but it’s also vital for your health. Research reveals that practicing gratitude can help people deal with adversity, feel happier, build stronger relationships, and feel more positive emotions.
Take the time to notice and celebrate small accomplishments and focus on what you have and what brings you joy. It takes minimal effort but can have big, long-lasting effects throughout the whole year.
Clean Home for a Clear Mind
Clean and organized homes have been linked to reduced stress, increased happiness, and increased productivity. One study even found evidence that a clean home can improve your exercise and eating habits.
Spending time in a cluttered and messy home has been linked with a higher stress hormone (cortisol) production. Your mind could be subconsciously adding tidying up to your to-do list and sneakily stressing you out.
Keeping your home tidy can positively influence your mental state, and it is not as difficult as it may seem. Experts recommend spending at least 15 minutes a day tidying up. Are you pressed for time? Why not entrust the task to the professionals! Here at Immaculate Clean, we pride ourselves on being the ultimate care-givers. You can trust our dedicated, passionate team to take care of your home with a professional eye for detail, friendly attentiveness and care.
Final Thought
Making a few small changes to your daily routines can have long-lasting positive effects on your overall well-being. Focus on one or a couple simple changes that you will keep — what better time to make them than for the New Year!
