5 Non-Weight Related New Years’ Resolutions
Because your weight is not all that matters. And in fact, doesn’t matter at all!
Part of the excitement of a New Year is the idea of starting fresh, being able to look back at the year that has passed while looking forward to the year to come. The New Year is a common time for people to set goals and make resolutions for themselves, and understandably so! There is nothing wrong with setting goals and working to achieve them.
For many, the idea of making New Year’s resolutions involves changes to their diet, exercising more, and wanting to lose weight. Living in a diet-obsessed culture has for decades negatively shaped the minds of many, making New Year’s resolutions more about weight loss than self-love. The marketing allure of “detoxes” and diets disguised as lifestyle changes are just some examples of the scope and seduction of diet culture.
Amidst the crazy rigidity of the diet scene, Metrowest Nutrition provides a soft place to land. We understand the temptation to diet and the seductive lure of diet culture. Our goal is to help you feel truly happy and healthy while learning to be kinder to yourself and your body. Working through body concerns doesn’t require punishment or strict diet and exercise programs. Sometimes all you need is support, self-care, and the right mindset.
In this post, we have outlined 5 non-weight related New Year’s resolutions you can make right now to feel happier, healthier, and more confident.
- Learn Something New
The New Year is the perfect time to develop a new skill, read a new book, or learn a new trade. According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta (chief medical correspondent for CNN), the act of learning and experiencing something new can generate new brain cells and encourage us to use new neural pathways within our brain. Amazing!
- Vow to Get More Sleep
Dr. Gupta also suggests that getting high-quality sleep, around seven to nine hours per night, is optimal for brain health. Not only that, enjoying quality sleep can help prevent disease, balance hormones, increase productivity, boost immunity, and make you feel incredible.
- Practice Daily Self-Care
While the occasional bubble bath or trip to the nail salon may do wonders for your mood, incorporating small self-care practices into your daily routines can make you feel on top of the world. Even if it is just for three minutes, take the time to show yourself love and appreciation.
Here are some examples of small self-care tasks you can do daily:
- Drink an extra glass of water
- Brush your hair
- Take three deep breaths
- Read a few pages or chapter from your book
- Call a friend
- Put on an outfit that makes you feel great
- Learn to Say No
Many of us want to do it all: cook; clean; see friends; be the perfect worker, parent, and partner. We feel compelled to agree to every request and are then left with no time for ourselves. This year, make time for peace and nourishing self-care by saying no to what you don’t need to do. By freeing up this time, you’ll be able to recharge your batteries, be more present, and enjoy the times in which you do say yes.
- Shift into a Positive Mindset
The powers of optimism and positivity are truly incredible. Shifting into a mindset of positive thinking can make you feel happier, more grateful, and more satisfied. One of the easiest and most effective ways to shift into a positive mindset is by using affirmations. Repeating short, positive affirmative phrases such as “I am enough” or “I am worthy” will reprogram your mind and encourage positive changes inside and out.
