The most common New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on losing weight or eating healthier, according to The Telegraph. You’ve probably noticed that when talking to friends, family, and coworkers—maybe some of them even added that they also want to wear more makeup, dress on trend, or revamp their style. While wanting to exercise more or dress stylishly are completely valid resolutions, consider also making one that isn’t tied to your body image.
You’re a complete person; allow your New Year’s resolutions to reflect that. Take some of the energy you use at the gym and put it towards improving other parts of your life—maybe striving for a promotion at work, or deciding to see a therapist. As a bonus, if you take the time to improve yourself internally, that happiness will manifest externally too!
Mental Health
Spend time this year improving your mental health. Figure out what upsets or triggers you. Examine how you handle stress in your life, especially if you deal with mental illness, like depression or alcohol use disorder. Resolve to discover new methods of coping that are productive, healthy, and actually work for you. Simple things like spending a few minutes tidying up or going for a quick walk when you feel upset can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
Emotional Health
Taking care of your emotions is just as important as taking care of your body. Be deliberate. Resolve to be more active in cultivating happiness in your life; practice feng shui to help emphasize productivity and positivity in your home, load that essential oil diffuser you got for Christmas with lavender oil, which can help calm and soothe you. Resolve to laugh more! These choices may seem insignificant, but they can have a large impact on your emotional well-being.
Relationships
Take a break from “me”-centric resolutions and prioritize improving your relationships; resolve to be a better friend this year. Stop cancelling plans with your friends to hang out with your significant other. Be an active listener, and don’t just ask them to talk or meet up when you need to vent. Be a friend that everyone loves to have in their lives. You can even try to make new friends this year. Ultimately, all the positive energy you put into your relationships will deepen your connections with your loved ones.
Eliminate the assumption that New Year’s resolutions are inherently about your appearance. Focus on bringing out the best version of yourself, however you choose to do so, and watch with joy as that optimism spreads to other areas of your life.
Photo by Becca Tapert
Paola Ramirez
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