Many of us watched the calendar, counting down the days to January 1, 2021. We decorated for Christmas while we ate our kids Halloween candy trying to hurry 2020 along. Last year, we tossed resolutions out the window, and our universal goal was to survive. We had to learn new habits, embrace restrictions, and adapt to a constantly changing environment. It’s no wonder we were ready to kick 2020 to the curb. But this is a new year filled with hopefulness and a renewed sense of optimism. This year, we don’t want to survive; we want to thrive. At Inhabit Real Estate Group, we want that for you too! We’ve come up with 10 New Year’s Resolutions worth trying so that you can make the most out of your year.
1.Improve Your Fitness
This is one of the most popular resolutions every year. But rather than imagining how nice it would be to fit into your favorite dress or wishing you had the stamina to play basketball with your buddies, do something about it. Don’t know where to start? Check out our Fitness Guide to help you find the right form of exercise for you. To stick with this goal, you have to enjoy it! Find a gym you’re comfortable in or specialized activity like CrossFit, barre/dance, martial arts, or yoga/pilates. When you have fun working out, you’re more inclined to stick with it!
2. Improve Your Diet
You don’t have to participate in an extreme diet plan to feel healthier. Instead, make practical adjustments to your current diet that fit your family’s needs and don’t leave you feeling frustrated and deprived. Think about reducing your sugar intake, not necessarily cutting it out altogether. When you make your grocery list, think about adding more fruits and vegetables to each meal. You can trick your brain when you focus on what you can have rather than what you can’t have.
3. Drink More Water
This is a simple resolution that can have a crucial impact on your health. Water improves the function of your joints, increases your ability to focus, improves your metabolism, and helps your muscles and organs function. This simple adjustment can have a significant impact on your life and help you reach your other goals.
4. Remove the Clutter
When our home feels cluttered, we are more likely to procrastinate and can easily become stressed. Use this year to de-clutter your home so you can establish a sense of peace. One way to make this large goal feel doable is to set an alarm for 15 minutes every day and see how much you can pick up, throw out, or organize. Sort through the “junk drawer” in the kitchen, your bedroom closet, or the papers and books under your nightstand. Donate clothes you haven’t worn or items you no longer need. If it’s just taking up space in your house, let someone else use it. Keeping your home de-cluttered will also make things easier if you decide it’s time to sell (wink, wink).
5. Read More
According to the medical team at Healthline, there are countless benefits to reading regularly. Reading improves your brain connectivity, enhances your ability to empathize, helps you sleep, reduces stress, lowers your blood pressure, helps you fight symptoms of depression, reduces cognitive decline, and promotes longer life. If you have young children, reading with your kids helps them with all of those things and increases their vocabulary and comprehension. Reading together boosts your child’s self-esteem, their ability to problem-solve and helps them connect with you as their parent/caregiver.
6. Watch Less TV
We get it, numbing out while you watch an episode (or 4) of your favorite TV show, sounds like the perfect end to a busy day. But maybe this is the year you decide to live more of your life rather than watch someone else live theirs. We can’t give up on the Pearson family, (Any other This Is Us fans out there?) so we don’t expect anyone to stop watching TV altogether. Instead, look for other ways you can spend your time that will still help you find a little R&R.
7. Reduce Your Social Media Use
If you have other big goals you want to accomplish this year, it might be time to give social media a rest. Not forever, just being more aware of how you spend your time. It’s too easy to lose hours of your day scrolling if you’re not careful. If you’d like more info on the effects social media has on us and tips on how to manage social media use in a healthier way, check out the documentary on Netflix, The Social Dilemma. Look for ways to engage with others and stay connected without being sucked into the void.
8. Find a New Hobby
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Or maybe an activity you enjoyed when you were younger but haven’t made time for in a while? Maybe this is the year to learn more about you and find things that excite you. There were some downer moments in 2020, and there are sure to be more downer moments in 2021. But you might be more inclined to push through those times if you have something you look forward to doing. Pick up a basketball, a rod and reel, a mixing bowl, or a puzzle. Take a break from the chaos and demands and do something you love.
9. Spend More Time Outside
A study found in Science Daily revealed the health benefits of getting outdoors. Spending time outside in a natural “green space” reduces your risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. There is even a form of Japanese therapy known as “forest bathing” where participants sit, lie down, or walk around in a forest to bring a sense of calming and focus. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, make a habit of getting outdoors with no agenda except to enjoy being outside. Check out our Pets’ Guide to find beautiful green spaces near you that welcome your furry friend.
10. Volunteer
Make this year about others. Volunteering will help you give back to your community and make new friends. Blend something you love to do with a charity you’re passionate about and get involved. Don’t know where to start? Our Volunteer Guide breaks down opportunities where you can serve the residents of Bryan/College Station. If there’s a category that appeals to you, find out how you can participate in the great work these organizations are doing.
We are here for you and hope that 2021 is one of the best years yet! If one of your goals this year includes buying or selling a home, contact us at Inhabit Real Estate Group.