Happy Ditch Your New Year’s Resolution Day! Yes, we aren’t making it up: Today, January 17th, is the national day of giving up on all the aspirations and changes you swore you would achieve when you scribbled them down in December. However, we don’t encourage you to ditch your resolutions. Whether the goal was overly ambitious or the winter blues are getting the best of you, here are some easy and simple tips to help power you through those 2019 goals.
Resolution: Exercise more!
Excuse: “Working out is too time consuming.” “Gym memberships are so damn expensive!”
How to keep going: It’s hard not to succumb to the lack of motivation and energy that comes with drab winter weather, but there are simple ways you can implement exercise into your everyday routine (there really are no excuses, unless you’re coming down with the flu or are injured). If you find you have no time in your schedule and so happen to sit at a desk, try the age-old cliche advice of taking the stairs over the elevator. Seriously. There’s a reason gyms offer “step” classes. For those willing to put in a bit more effort, but not willing to shell out $30 bucks on a spin class (we feel you), do some research into free classes. Some suggestions: The Running Room’s Run Club, yoga and barre classes at Lululemon, and even the Nike Training Club at the Academy of Lions.
Resolution: Save money!
Excuse: “Buying meals is easier.” “But my friends are going… therefore I must go too! ”
How to keep going: Saving money doesn’t need to be about creating a crazy, complex budget: It’s about cutting costs in simple ways. Start off saving in the food department by doing meal prep on the weekend so that you’re set for the week. Also worth noting is that you can still buy some meals… just reduce the amount of times you buy. If you tend to suffer from FOMO (again, we feel you!) try having friends over and creating a fun night at your place. Added perk: No need to endure the cold weather.
Resolution: Eat healthier!
Excuse: “But I looooove cookies/chips/basically anything that’s bad for me!” “Cooking takes so much time.”
How to keep going: I’d like to start by saying cravings are tough, but with time they become easier to manage. It’s all about giving your body what it wants and needs to make you look and feel your best. If you can’t change your diet entirely, just reduce it. Smaller portions are a great way to start adjusting the way you eat. Especially if you can eat less of the bad, and start eating a little bit of the good. Try to drink more water throughout the day instead of juice or coffee, or reach for some fruit instead of a bag of chips. And of course, if you slip up, it’s no big deal. In the words (errr… dance moves?) of Donté Colley, DON’T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF.
Resolution: Get more organized!
Excuse: “It’s so time consuming.” “It’s too much to handle and I’m overwhelmed.”
How to keep going: Getting organized can be super stressful and I sympathize with feelings of being overwhelmed with the clutter in your life… and mind. That’s why it’s crucial to gain control of it all, Marie Kondo-style. Start by making a list. Add a few simple tasks to accomplish each day, but avoid more than 5 so that you don’t overwhelm yourself. You can even add mundane things like “make bed” to give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep working through the rest. Once you get to the decluttering stage, donate or throw things away if they no longer serve a purpose in your life. If you need that extra push, consider downloading an organizational app to help get your life together.
Resolution: Practising self-love!
Excuse: “I’m too busy.” “I don’t know how to say ‘no.'”
How to keep going: ICYMI, we’re huge advocates of self-care so this one should come as no surprise. Oftentimes we are so focused on catering to others, that we forget to cater to ourselves. You are never too busy to take 5 minutes for yourself, even if it’s to focus on your breathing. Try doing this once in the morning and once at night. Mindfulness and meditation will help you feel grounded and calm, and make the other resolutions on your list that much easier to do. With self-love, comes the ability to make the choices that are best for you and your mental health, so practise saying no to the things you don’t want to do. If you want to stay in, but your friends want you to go out, stay in. There’s nothing wrong with taking one night off to relax and recharge.
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