Personal training and holistic health coaching are the loves of my life! So, naturally, I have a lot of experience with setting healthy goals and New Year's resolutions--like eating more whole foods, getting more sleep, being more physically active, and avoiding bad carbs, processed sugars, and alcohol. But, today, I want to talk about an unconventional resolution–to be more selfish!
Being selfish doesn't mean you are taking something away from someone or that you don't care about them. It just means that you are intentionally making time for yourself and your health. Here are 5 ways to invest in self-love and self-care.
5 Selfish & Healthy New Year's Resolutions
1. Take naps
A 15 to 30-minute nap for adults can improve mood, sharpen your focus, reduce fatigue, and lower blood pressure. Try not to go longer than that as you can enter the deeper sleep phases, which can make you sleepier or groggy.
2. Tune out your devices for "you" time
Limit the time you are connected to your texts, emails, and devices to reclaim more time for you. Instead of checking your device every time you get a notification, schedule blocks of time. Don't forget to schedule a few device-free days and disconnect entirely.
3. Schedule a "me" day
Book a spa day, plan a day out with nature, or pamper yourself at home. It will do wonders for your mental and physical health.
4. Practice good gut health
A poor gut balance can lead to feeling sluggish, increased anxiety, and digestive issues. Make sure to feed your gut with healthy nutrients. A happy gut equals a happy life!
5. Exercise daily
Exercising is one of the best investments in your health. So, of course, it's one of the best things to do every day. It can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, increase strength and endurance, lower blood pressure, and help you lose weight.
3 Ways to Keep Resolutions
Some resolutions can be small, and some can seem like a long-distance marathon. Either way, trust me, you can get there without being overwhelmed. Here are three great ways to keep your resolutions for the new year.
1. Vision / Dream Board
Creating a vision board is a great way to put your goals down in writing and motivate yourself throughout the year. It's your board, so it can include anything! However, try to design it based on how you want to feel. Our feelings are one of the most potent sources of motivation.
I like to choose a theme for my boards. An overall theme makes it easier to focus on the greater goal of being happier and healthier. For 2020 I chose "focus" as my theme. It has definitely worked!
After you have decided on your theme, set goals, and prioritize them on your vision board. Include things that make you feel motivated towards your goals–images, quotes, notes, sketches, magazine clippings, affirmations, etc. When complete, place your board in a place where you can see it every day. Without even knowing it, you will be doing short visualization exercises every day just by looking at it! It will help before you even realize it.
2. Focus Word
A focus word sounds similar to setting a theme for your vision board, but it's slightly different. It forms an intention instead of goals to achieve. For example, if you intend to be healthier, choosing "healthy" for your focus word makes the most sense. Include your focus word in your activities and plans: eating, exercising, vacations, relationships, habits, shopping, etc. It will help guide you and keep you on the road to your goals.
3. Make a Plan & Break it Down
After you've set your goals and focus words, the next step is to plan and break down your larger goals. Outlines and lists work well for this. Don't be afraid to re-use good ones from previous years. Lists that I keep and update every year are my favorite workouts and my favorite local studios.
Feel free to contact me if you need help with accountability, personal training, health coaching, or if you just need more tips on how to reach your goals for the New Year.
Or, join me in my January Virtual Health Coaching Group!
2021 Virtual Health Coaching Group
Get support and accountability while you work towards your goals!
I am currently accepting up to 8 people into my Healthy Through the Holidays program starting Sunday, January 10th, 2021.
This program is 6-weeks long and consists of:
Weekly group coaching sessions via Zoom.
Weekly handouts & challenges.
A private FB community to connect with others in the group.
Group calls will take place at 9:30am EST every Sunday from Jan 10th through Feb 14th.