"As much as we want to head into each new year with excitement and motivation, it’s not always that easy. While it can seem like new beginnings and fresh starts for some of us, New Year’s resolutions may also set us up for disappointment. There’s so much pressure to reach lofty goals like “exercise every day” and “lose 10 pounds.” Far-off or difficult goals can make the start of 2024 feel like a burden instead of a blessing. Plus, it’s easy to lose motivation when you’re focused on a number on the scale or a specific guideline to follow.
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Instead of heading into the new year with far-off goals that will only disappoint you, there are many small steps you can take to be your healthiest and happiest self this year (that you’ll actually be able to keep). We’re running through 50 (yes, 50!) concrete steps you can take to boost endorphins and keep your health on track. And while some are focused on nutrition and exercise, there are so many other ways to improve your wellness. After all, you could eat a perfectly clean diet and exercise every day, but if you’re not taking care of yourself in other ways, you can’t be truly healthy. Here are 50 things you can do right now to be healthier and happier this year (that have absolutely nothing to do with eating less sugar or burning calories, BTW):
1. Say “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry”
2. Make your bed every morning
3. Unfollow or mute every account that doesn’t make you feel inspired
4. On days you don’t feel like exercising, try one of these workouts
6. Schedule all your doctor’s appointments for the year
7. Download a meditation app like Headspace or Calm
8. Sit in child’s pose when you get stressed
9. Buy yourself flowers
10. Call a friend or coworker instead of texting
11. Eat the rainbow by trying a variety of fruits and vegetables
12. Go stargazing and get fresh air
13. Drink a glass of water before and after every meal
14. Start a cookbook club
15. Add adaptogens to your latte
16. Go on more hot girl walks
17. Delete the news apps on your phone
18. Sneak leafy greens into sauces, dips, and dressings
19. Go to bed five minutes earlier every night until you’re waking up without an alarm clock
20. Become a morning workout person
21. Prioritize sexual wellness by downloading an app like Coral or treating yourself to a new vibrator
22. Declutter the playlists, pictures, apps, and notes on your phone
23. Improve your relationship with food by eating with self-love instead of self-criticism
24. Personalize your supplement routine
25. Read a book that’s good for your health
26. Prioritize your friendships
27. Come up with an intention, theme, or affirmation for the year
28. Ditch outdated food rules
29. Instead of FOMO, talk yourself into JOMO (joy of missing out)
30. Measure your health in ways that have nothing to do with weight
31. Sign up for virtual events or online courses
32. Eat seasonal produce
33. Prep healthy snacks to have on hand at all times
34. Schedule multiple one-minute breaks into your workday to take deep breaths or walk around
35. Leave your laptop out of the bedroom
36. DIY a plant-based alternative to whatever food you’re craving
37. Make a list of your top 10 sources of stress, and then identify solutions for each of them
38. Try a workout class you’ve never done before
39. Get sunlight first thing in the morning
40. Add something nutritious to your diet every day
41. Stretch your body while watching TV
42. Time batch your emails
43. Add spices and herbs to every meal
44. Gratitude journal every day
45. Instead of eating less calories, add more nutrients
46. Chop and roast veggies to prepare for the week
47. Text compliments to loved ones
48. Turn on a playlist and dance around the kitchen while cooking
49. Take a probiotic
50. Sit up straight and improve your posture