New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Want to Make in 2019.

Another year, another chance to try and make yourself a better person. As per usual, we dust off our gym shoes, stock up the fridge with vegetables and prepare for a miserable January. But wait – it doesn’t have to be like that! I mean, if cauliflower can somehow become pizza, you can do anything you put your mind to. This year, it’s time to shake the habit of a lifetime and set yourself some New Year’s resolutions that you will actually want to stick to. 

Need a little inspiration? Here are ten fabulous resolutions to get you started:

1. Say One Nice Thing to Yourself Every Day.

If you look extra cute in those jeans or your hair is behaving for once (good hair days can be hard to come by), say it. Seriously, say it out loud.  You might feel like a lunatic saying to yourself “wow, your make-up is on point today”, but it will be make you feel so good. Do it first thing in the morning and get your day off to a good start. If you’re lacking in compliments, here’s one to try on for size, “I’m pretty but tough, like a diamond. Or beef jerky in a ball gown.” Thank you, TItus Andromedon.

2. Say Yes to New Things.

Saying yes can be daunting, especially if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Dye your hair that crazy color, go bungee-jumping, join a sports team – what’s the worst that can happen?    

3. Meditate.

I cannot stress enough how important meditation is. If you can allocate a few minutes every day to meditation you will quickly see the results. You will feel less stressed, less anxious, and more energized in a matter of days.

4. Connect With an Old Friend.

Remember that girl in school you were really close to but then drifted from when you both went off to college? Send her a message! You might end up rekindling a beautiful friendship. 

5. Treat Yourself.

Saving money and dieting are all well and good, but sometimes you need to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be all the time and it doesn’t have to be extravagant, but a little treat now and then can really lift your spirits. You don’t have to go all Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford (Parks and Rec, you give me life!) and dedicate a whole day to pampering and extravagance, but I wouldn’t judge you if you did. Massages and mimosas just because it’s a Tuesday? Yes, please!

6. Delete Your Social Media Apps.

Get rid of the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter apps from your phone for a week. Just try it and see how it makes you feel. If you re-download them all your data will still be there, but you might decide you like not wasting hours scrolling through your newsfeeds. Deleting Facebook off my phone made a huge difference in how much time I spent mindlessly scrolling through my phone.

7. Find a Project.

Give yourself something to think about other than work and do something totally for yourself. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn another language or get into DIY. You’ll love the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get as you work on your project. One of the things I’ve talked about a bit on social media is how I finally decided to take guitar lessons in 2018. While I’m no John Mayer or Gabe Bondoc, it feels amazing to learn a new skill and to be a beginner again.

8. Spend More Time Alone.

Time to kick the FOMO and learn to love your own company. Switch off your phone, find a killer series and spend a Friday night being your own best friend. Note: all of The Office and Parks and Recreation are on Netflix and if you haven’t watched them yet, you’re totally missing out.

9. Volunteer.

Giving up your time to help someone else is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Even if it’s just a few hours each month, find a cause you believe in and give them your Saturday morning. 

10. Travel.

Make it your mission in 2019 to visit a different country. Travel is a super  enriching experience and with budget airlines popping up all the time, it is easier than ever to explore the world.