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 can also set us up for disappointment. There’s so much pressure to reach lofty goals like “exercise every day” and “lose 10 pounds.” While those are certainly valid resolutions to strive for, far-off or difficult goals can make the start of 2022 feel like a burden instead of a blessing. No one looks forward to starting a diet, right? Plus, it’s easy to lose motivation when you’re focused on a number on the scale or a specific guideline to follow.
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 diet and exercise, there are also so many ways to improve your wellness beyond being physically fit. 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 never 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):
1. Say “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry”
2. Make your bed every morning
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 for a minute when you’re stressed
9. Buy yourself flowers
10. Call a friend or coworker instead of texting
Source: @crystalinmarie
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
16. Go on more 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
Source: Felicia Lasala for The Everygirl
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
27. Come up with an intention, theme, or affirmation for your year
29. Instead of FOMO, talk yourself into having JOMO (joy of missing out)
Source: @thebeverlyadams
31. Sign up for virtual events or online courses
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
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
Source: @sarahlouiseslusher
41. Stretch your body while watching TV
43. Add spices and herbs to every meal
45. Instead of eating less calories, focus on adding 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
