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Many people make resolutions every year. If you’re like many people, you may stick with your resolutions for a while but give up because it’s not really what you want or need. This year, don’t make resolutions based on what you think you should do but rather what you need. Whether you’re a college student navigating online learning, a job seeker trying to stay encouraged, or a professional feeling anxious and burned out, it’s important to include resolutions that focus on self-care. In this time of uncertainty, putting your mental and physical health is imperative. Read on for some 2022 resolution ideas to help ease stress and burnout.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleeping has a variety of benefits from improved memory to reduced stress. Getting enough quality sleep should be a top priority no matter your age or lifestyle. Set a bedtime and try to stick to it, even on weekends and vacations. Stop using electronic devices an hour before bed and don’t consume caffeine in the hours before bedtime. Ensure that your bedroom is set up for optimal sleep – cool, dark and quiet. Add relaxing activities into your night time routine – a hot bath, reading or listening to relaxing music.
Find a Creative Hobby
You don’t have to be a creative person to enjoy a creative hobby. Anyone can find something creative they enjoy. With a creative hobby, the result isn’t as important as the process. Some ideas include playing an instrument, knitting, adult coloring books, gardening and photography.
Make One Healthy Food or Drink Substitute
Instead of the traditional New Year’s diet, try making just one healthy food or drink substitute. This may mean substituting sugary soft drinks with sparkling water or replacing red meat with baked chicken or fish. Making a small change can lead to great improvements in your health and inspire you to start making other healthier decisions.
Learn a New Language
Learning a new language isn’t only useful for your career or in day to day life. It also improves memory (both short and long-term) and enhances problem solving skills and creative thinking. Many apps, such as Duolingo, offer free language learning courses that are both interactive and fun.
Do Some Exercise Most Days
Working out is a common New Year’s resolution, but most people set the bar too high and give up after a short period. Instead of joining a gym or vowing to exercise an hour a day, just try to do some type of physical activity most days. Find things you enjoy, whether it be walking, riding a bike or yoga. Then have your workout gear in a prominent location so you don’t forget. Keep a log of what exercise you do, when you do it and for how long. Don’t feel discouraged if you can only fit in a few minutes or have to skip a day. The point is to stay motivated and develop a habit.
Keep a Journal
Writing in a journal can be therapeutic for those experience stress, loneliness, and depression. Even if you feel good, keeping a journal helps you record important memories or feelings that you can look back on in years to come. A journal doesn’t have to be a neatly written detail of your day . It can be drawings, poetry, or positive affirmations.
Limit Social Media Time
One of the best new year’s resolutions you can make is to limit time spent on social media. There are numerous platforms that can suck up a lot of your time and leave you feeling depressed or anxious. Set a limit of time you’ll spend each day on social media and stick to it. Also try to check social media just once per day at a maximum. Delete any platforms that you think may be damaging your mental health.
Read for Fun Every Day
Reading is a great way to wind down after a stressful day and escape your worries for a while. Although many set a goal for the number of books they wish to read each year, it’s less pressure when you aim to just read daily. Some days you may read half a book while others just a few pages. The point is to enjoy reading rather than to feel pressure to finish a certain number of books by the end of the year.
In 2022, make your resolutions manageable. And rather than focusing on self-improvement, put self-care first. When you take care of your mental and physical well-being, you’ll find that self-improvement naturally follows.