I am not normally one for New Year’s resolutions, but I enjoy reading tips on improving health and happiness at this time of year. I put out feelers to some of my favorite expert contributors and to the Sweat Pink Ambassador Group on Facebook to see what tips they had for a happier, healthier new year. I got so many great ones that I broke them into two posts.
Great Tips On Improving Happiness and Wellbeing in 2014:
- From Amber at Eats and Exercise by Amber, “Every day pick one thing you’re grateful or thankful for. Whether it be about your life or your body. Too many people focus on physical health goals for the new year and neglect mental health which starts with being happy, and happiness comes from feeling grateful or thankful!”
- Tiffany from Running Hutch says “Everyone focuses on what NEW thing they’re going to do. I’d say start a new year off right by taking time to reflect over the past year. Before you get caught up in adding new things to your plate, was there anything you didn’t get to do this last year that is still important to you? How can you make that happen this year?” I wrote a post like this this year, too. You can read it HERE.
- Amy from Strong Inside Out agrees and takes this tip one step further, “One of the best things you can do for the new year is look over your last. Write out a review of what came from last year, good and bad. Jot down what you’d like more of, less of, or to create anew this year, and exactly how you can create it. Be as specific as possible, and then take action to seal the deal.”
- Rachel from Undercover Diva says “Take some time for YOU during each day (half hour, one hour, etc.) and just do something to make yourself happy. Maybe it’s a workout, maybe it’s a trip to the store to just look around, maybe it’s enjoying dessert away from hubby and children. Some “me” time is always something I’m striving for because I don’t take enough of it!”
- Preshii from the Coily Bombshell, offers:
- “Don’t forget to enjoy life. Enjoy the little things along with the big ones.”
- “Set both goals and resolutions. My resolutions are fun silly things but my goals are serious things I want to accomplish. Take time in December or January to plan out the major goals you want to accomplish for the year and smaller goals that will help you reach those major ones.”
- From a blog I love, Nutritionella, Elle recommends:
- “Learn how to accept a compliment. Here’s a great article to help. And see #30.”
- “Choose 1 day per week to catch up with a friend or family member, whether by phone or an in-person coffee date.”
- “Only purchase clothing that fits, flatters and makes you feel good–no matter how heavily discounted it may be.” [Check out her 50 Bitesized Resolutions for 2014 post HERE.]
- Marlesa from Mar on the Run says, “Set goals for the year and don’t focus on resolutions. As a runner I think about what I want to race, where I might travel to (and if they can mesh) and things like that. Make a blog post out of it to keep yourself focused!”
- Emma from Be Mom Strong says “Pick one small goal each month working towards one big goal for the year. So if your goal is to eat healthier then in January you can add a green to each you can, February you can chose to snack on fruit, March you can try a food you’ve never had before… etc.”
- Lauren from Breathe Deeply and Smile says “Make a list of things you want to accomplish this year. To be more successful in checking things off the list, I am focusing on one goal each month!”
- Jess from Just Call Me Janks says “Dream big, but start small. Goals aren’t always achieved in a day. Create a list of small steps that lead to a big end goal. This way, not only do you feel accomplished, but you can track your progress along the way! Also, share your goals with others. It helps keep you accountable “
- Cori from Olive to Run says, “Instead of focusing on a New Years resolution for the year, focus on one word that can be adapted to all areas of your life. Use that word for all challenges and successes you endure.” My word: awesome (see below)
- Another favorite of mine from Instant Peptalks by Karen Salmanson:
- Christine from Nutrition and Exercise Smoothie wrote a great post on “Finding HAPPINESS in 2014!” Read it HERE.
- Kalee from Sorey Fitness wrote two great posts on New Year’s Resolutions and how to put them into action. Here is a link to the first and second.
For all of your resolutions, here is a great tip from Sara Larsen, a CES running coach and blogger at Coach Sara. “Most of us fail when it comes to sticking to resolutions – the problem is we try to do too many resolutions at once. My number one tip is to have a single pointed focus on one thing you would like to change. Set a realistic, attainable goal and put all of your focus and energy into that one resolution. Develop a detailed action plan, track your progress and use the buddy system for accountability. If you focus all your motivation on one resolution it will increase the chances you’ll succeed.”
So pick one thing (per month) and get started! Good luck! My other tip – don’t wait for 1/1 to make positive changes, it is an arbitrary date – start now! And, if the first week in January is not great, start the second week. No excuses!
Have a great tip on being happier in the new year? Please leave it in the comments. Come back tomorrow for part 2 of this post “Resolve to Have a Healthier New Year!”
Thanks to all who contributed to or inspired this post!