Happy You Year! This month we’re making it all about YOU. We will be giving away 3 $150 Visa Gift Cards to help you start the year off right with a little help from us. Comment to win! We will be selecting 1 winner from Instagram, 1 winner from Twitter and 1 winner from this blog post. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win.
*contest ends on January 19th, 2018 at 11:59pm EST. Must be 19+ and a Canadian Resident to enter (EXCL. QC).
***CONTEST CLOSED***
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As the new year begins it is easy to let routine sneak back into your life and discourage your self-improvement and goals. Here are 4 ways to focus on your well being and make sure you stay on track with your goals of 2018!
Start Your Day Early
Starting your day early may seem daunting in the middle of the dark winter but it gives you time to collect your thoughts and reflect on the tasks you will be tackling for the day. Yes, sleep is important but if you set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier every morning you will notice a positive change in your daily routine.
For example, you may have time to make yourself a coffee and eat breakfast before rushing to work on an empty stomach. Or you may have a couple minutes to meditate or embrace the peacefulness of the morning all to yourself. Try making yourself a fun, energetic morning playlist to hype you up. Early mornings are perfect for reflection of your goals and will help to declutter and ready your brain for the day.
Get Away From Your Gadgets
It may be difficult to dial back on your technology intake but taking a break from the digital world can be very beneficial to your physical and mental health. Not focusing so heavily on your gadgets and disconnecting yourself will help you restore the balance to your mind and re-focus your attention on the important things in life.
Try setting a time frame every night where you don’t touch your phone for an hour or two. This is the most bearable around dinner time because you can focus on the wonderful food and people around you. It is a great exercise if you are looking to improve and connect with the people around you. You may not even miss your phone at all.
Spend Time with Nature
Experts say that leaving your house each day can be vital to self-care and the improvement of your mental health. Go for a walk during your lunch break or sit in a park with your coworkers for lunch if you are feeling confined or frustrated.
This is an easy way to de-stress, recharge and promote relaxation. It may seem difficult to get out sometimes but fresh air is the best medicine and easiest way to clear your mind.
Have a Routine
If you aren’t a routine person yet, you may be soon. The easiest way to manage your time is to have a set routine for your day. This can come with some challenges but by setting time aside for yourself in an organized matter you can manage your own time more wisely.
Try setting specific days to work out and keep them constant, or schedule your meal times. It will only make the routine easier for you in the long run.
If you are looking to relax in the evenings, try a night-time routine. Include having a cup of green tea, putting your PJs on & brushing your teeth at 10pm. Your body will start to recognize this routine and you will notice you may get a better night’s sleep! Routines help you work towards your goals, and we want to keep busy!
As you begin to settle into a routine, you will notice that you will check more things off your to-do list. A routine will help you avoid your bad habits and you’ll start your year off energized and happy. Happy New Year!
I agree that a new routine will help with a better night’s sleep! To start going to bed earlier, I’d make myself tired with a hot bath at an earlier time, and no caffeine, or screens in my face!
Great tips for relaxation! Thanks for commenting & good luck with the contest. 🙂
I love your suggestions and what resonates most for me is to take time with my family by putting down my gadgets, even if it’s for one day a week! I would like to finally dive into my writing as well. Thank you very much for the giveaway! Entered on Instagram @mamalangs5 and Twitter @AlayneLangford 🙂
Everyone could use some time to disconnect from tech and reconnect with their family. We are happy to see your motivation 🙂 Good luck!
Some great tips for taking care of ourselves! I think I’m going to work on getting away from my gadgets. Thanks for the chance.
I agree with setting a routine. I really struggled with this after having my daughter – sometimes when I was ready, she would have other plans. I’ve learned to wake up earlier so I can get in a workout before she is away (after too many nights of skipping workouts because she wouldn’t sleep). I also set an alert on my phone for 9 pm, so I wash my face/apply skincare. This way, I find I don’t skip my self care due to being “too tired”.
I really enjoyed reading this post. I loved that this tips were not the usual eat healthier and exercise more advice. I am planning on implementing some of your tips immediately. Starting tomorrow I will be spending less time on my device.
We are glad you like our tips! Love the motivation 🙂 Good Luck.
This year I am going to try and make sleep a priority. I’ve been functioning on my bare minimum of sleep, but never feeling well rested. This year, I need to develop and maintain a routine for sleep that makes me feel rested and recharged.
I definitely agree about getting away from your gadgets. It’s so easy to waste time on social media. I have also started a gratitude journal to reflect on my daily blessings!
I love the suggestion of a set time and day to work out. I would purchase a fitbit if I won.
Setting a schedule is a step towards a healthy workout routine. 🙂 Good luck!
Every new year brings some new & some old hopes & dreams…eat better, exercise more, get more sleep. All good things but things that are a constant target to strive for. Life is (or ought to be) forever trying to improve oneself. Your lovely giveaway made me think about a tangible outcome- I would spend the $150 getting a new hairstyle. I mean take the time to find a hairdresser who can assess my face shape, take into account my hair challenges (thinning hair) and then give me a cut that really works for me. I think that would really be something.
Great advice, I am aiming to spend more time outside and more time away from my gadgets to allow some important self aware time.
Love these suggestions. Will try to add some of them to my New Year’s resolution: Giving up frozen meals and buying fresh to cook for myself. With fresh fruits and vegetables being pricey in the winter, the gift card would be a great help.