A Fresh Start

Every year people come up with multiple New Years resolutions in hopes of achieving a more successful year than the last. However, when reality hits those resolutions are pushed aside and forgotten by February. Every year you say it will be different, and for some it might, but I have learned from my mistakes. I no longer add tasks like "make my bed every morning", "walk my dogs twice a day", or "do yoga, spin, pilates and kickboxing every other day". After years of failed attempts at making resolutions I can not keep, I've learned I'm not Superwoman, not even close.

So this year I am trying something different and I want all of you to try it with me. We should not overwhelm ourselves with high-demanding resolutions. When December 31st comes, we can't be down on ourselves because the most impressive thing we did all year was have a binge watching marathon of Stranger Things. Therefore, I have decided to take the liberty to set low standards, to expect little, so when I accomplish more than intended I will feel that rush of accomplishment.

Here are four 2018 resolutions that are small and simple, but will have made a big impact in the end.

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1. Focus on your sleep not your Instagram...

If getting the appropriate eight hours of sleep a night is only something you dream about, try some these tips to get the necessary rest your body needs in order to stay healthy. This first bit of advice helped me break a habit I am most guilty of... staying up on my phone or computer right before falling asleep. By breaking this habit I have started to add an extra hour of sleep to my nights. I know it is hard, but try to plug your distraction into an outlet where you can't easily reach it. Check your social media earlier in the night, then when lights are out and you're comfy in bed, you're temptation is across the room. An added bonus is now that your phone is across the room you are forced to get out of bed when the alarm goes off! Secondly, the Bedtime setting on my iPhone's clock app has become my best friend, and it should be yours too. I use it every night including weekends to track and measure how much sleep I should be getting.

2. Take time to breathe...

Sounds stupid huh? Even though we are breathing all day, there is something therapeutic about focusing on how you inhale and exhale. Deep and controlled breathing is something simple but necessary. Take 2 to 5 minutes every day to sit in a comfortable position, clear your mind, forget all responsibilities and deadlines, play your favorite song, or sit in silence and just breathe.

3. One swap a week...

If you want to start living a healthier lifestyle, but you can't commit to just diving in all at once, don't worry. Once a week make a switch when it comes to your diet, if you are the type of person that needs ice cream every night, try a healthier substitute (Halo Top > Ben & Jerry's). Another example is to buy multigrain bread instead of white (Ezekiel > Wonder). Just substitute one "bad for you" food a week. You don't have to stick with it if you don't like it but for one week try something new. You may be surprised and find a new favorite treat. Just because it is a healthier option doesn't mean it won't be as satisfying. By doing these weekly swaps you are introducing your body to healthier options and it will thank you in the long run. Try a couple of my favorites...

Skinny Pop > Goldfish

Dried fruit (Banana chips) > Potato Chips

Rotisserie Chicken & Turkey > Deli Meats

4. Three squared meals (a week)...

I know it is easier said than done to make a home cooked meal. I have a tendency to say I'm going to make the elaborate recipes I come across on Pinterest, but I rarely follow through and make them. Once in a blue moon if I do make something and it comes out remotely successful, I feel like I should have my own show on Food Network. However, I know I am not alone when I say cooking a meal is time consuming (and I don't mean the three minutes it takes to microwave mac n' cheese). But there are many easy recipes you can make in less than 30 minutes that will come out delicious and nutritious. I am not recommending you cook a meal everyday but try to make at least three homemade meals a week. That's pretty doable, right? A homemade meal is always going to be healthier than one bought in a container in the freezer aisle. Whether it's an "everything but the kitchen sink" salad or whole wheat pasta with homemade sauce, there is always something more comforting about eating a meal that you have complete control over. You know every ingredient inside and you make it to your exact liking. So out of the twenty-one squared meals a week you should be eating, take pride in creating three of them.

So give yourself a break with the unrealistic New Years resolutions. Focus on yourself, catch more Zzz's, take more time to clear your head, and fuel your body with better food, and by the end of 2018 you'll have no regrets of unkept resolutions and you'll feel great!