"I couldn’t tell you the last time I actually accomplished one of my New Year’s resolutions. I know, I know, you’re wondering, “okay, then why is she talking to me about resolutions then?” Hear me out. I think I’ve finally narrowed down why it’s so hard for me to keep up with my goals and ideas for the new year.
I make them based on what I hate about myself rather than what it is that I love.
I can recall making a resolution to lose 25 pounds in seventh grade, and as time has passed, that number has only increased. I set these goals and spend weeks looking up workouts at the gym and “motivating pictures” of women with abs and long, thin legs. I decide to lose weight every year because I want to look like these women, not because I want to be healthier or because I appreciate my body enough to feed it nutritious meals.
My resolutions consistently fail because my resolutions aren’t actually what I want. They’re what I assume I should want, based on society’s expectations of how women should be.
The new year, however, is a great time to set goals and change habits. It’s an important part of personal growth and holding yourself accountable. So, of course, we’re pretty into it.
Instead of setting goals that I know won’t last past Valentine’s Day, here are goals that have nothing to do with changing your body and everything to do with loving yourself. Happy planning!
1. Drink X bottles of water a day
Regardless of where you are in your self-love journey, anyone can stand to drink more water. Some go by the rule of eight glasses a day, whereas some might choose to drink half (or all!) of their weight in ounces. Decide what’s best for you, and use these tips to get it all in if all that plain water is a little daunting.
2. Find your personal style
Ever look in your closet and you’re unsure if you’re boho, classic, trendy, or edgy? Been there, done that. Looking at a closet full of clothes that don’t match each other can make getting dressed in the morning almost impossible. Make it your mission to figure out what styles you love, what you think makes you look your best, and what makes you feel confident.
Along with this, clean out your closet. Get rid of all those items you never wear, that wash out your skin tone, and don’t fit anymore. You’ll have more room for the new items in your closet you love, and you’ll stop focusing on what doesn’t exactly work for you. Win-win!
Source: @alison_giese
3. Take a relaxing bath once a week
Baths are amazing. Something about being in a tub of hot water with a face mask and your favorite new book in hand is so relaxing and indulging. If a bath isn’t for you, decide on a self-care activity that grounds and relaxes you. This obviously isn’t about hygiene; this is about giving yourself time every week for you. You’re worth it!
4. Follow people who inspire you on social media
With how much we all consume on social media, it’s easy to get bogged down by body-negative people or organizations that you follow. Do yourself a good ‘ole social media purge, and then, start following people who inspire you to be more body positive.
I obviously have to recommend @theeverygirl_ first! Then, here’s 10 plus size bloggers to follow on Instagram.
Source: The Bee and The Fox
5. Stop talking about other people’s bodies
Make a conscious effort to rid your brain of body talk. Although we can see comments like “wow, you’ve lost weight!” as a compliment, they can be triggering or uncomfortable for people. Instead of risking it, just stop commenting on how someone else’s body looks.
I’m currently working on this one, and I’ve had the most luck by letting my friends and family know it’s a habit I want to change. They remind me when I start to get off track, and they’ve even started trying it themselves, too!
Source: @athleta
6. Try one new workout a month
This could mean going to a new yoga studio, trying a new workout on YouTube, or joining something like ClassPass! Trying something new makes workouts not absolutely terrible, and you might even find your new favorite studio or type of exercise.
7. Step up your skincare routine
2018 was definitely the year for all the new skincare finds, so we’re continuing with the trend this year. Try a vitamin C serum, or test out a new exfoliating toner. If all you do right now is wash and moisturize, this is your chance to add more to the routine. For those who have the 10-step Korean routine down pat, there’s always something to learn. Skincare can be just as fun as makeup.
You know the feeling when you take off a face mask and feel like a new person? We’re trying to cultivate that feeling all 2019.
8. 10,000 steps a day
I’m sure this is already a goal anyone with a FitBit or Apple Watch thinks about religiously, but now that we can all track our steps with our smartphones, there’s no reason not to! Last year, I set a goal of 10,000, and I’m excited to increase my goal this year to 12,000. Assistant Editor Abigail gave me the idea to have competitions with friends over how many steps we can walk. What a fun way to get yourself moving!
If 10,000 isn’t feasible for you, decide on a goal that works with your lifestyle. This is about moving more than you did in 2018 and challenging yourself. Have at it!
Source: @wanderabode
9. 10 minutes of meditation, journaling, or reflection daily
You can add this one to your morning or night routine to add some gratitude and mindfulness to your day. If 10 minutes is too much for you, decrease it to five. You don’t need to spend hours a day reflecting, but you’d be surprised with how much small increments of mindfulness and calm can impact your day to day stress levels. Here’s to a less-stressed 2019!