The Top 3 Easiest Ways to Make Changes in the New Year. These are Not Resolutions, These are Your Solutions.

The Top 3 Easiest Ways to Make Changes in the New Year. These Are Not Resolutions, These Are Your Solutions.

1/13/2020

Look, we've all seen the commercials. Lose weight schemes, work out machines and supplements. They target people right after the holidays, okay, if I'm being honest they target their consumers every day.

But, there's a real push for business come the New Year, because people want to lose the holiday weight, or they've seen family members who are really fit and want to be too!

I know you've seen them too. The drastic weight loss pictures, the fancy workout machines (ahem, Peleton) or a new diet fab, hello Keto crazy posts all over social media. If we're being honest, all those things really do affect how we feel about ourselves and how we want to feel.

The problem is, that much of what is advertised is not a long term solution that is sustainable for many people. Right? It's money or time driven. No one has a lot of either these days. Unless you're the guy buying your wife a Peleton. In which case, sure, go for it. But for most of us (yes, I'm generalizing), it's a matter of what small changes we can make to better our health and well-being.

It's those changes that we stick to, and create positive progress.
So, what small changes do you want to make? Have you thought about it? If not, here are 3 ways to make changes in your day-to-day life that don't take much time and little money, if any at all!

1. Self-care

I know, I know. It's everywhere. Self-care this, self-care that. But it's true. A bit of self-care can go a long way. Here's why. It not only makes you feel better in the body but also in mind.

I challenge you to give yourself 5-10 minutes (to start) in your day and do something for YOU! For no one else but yourself. Yes, I'm telling you to be selfish.

Especially for you new mom's out there! Do it! You deserve it. Take that long shower, drink that cup of coffee by yourself because we know it almost always goes cold before you can. There are quick meditations or yoga you can practice. Write down 5 things you're grateful for and stick it to your fridge. Take a short walk or just be in silence for a few minutes. Take a bath!

Whatever it might be for you. Make it happen.

Not only will you feel a bit more centered, but you may also find it's something that really helps. Worst case scenario, you have 5-10 minutes for yourself to maintain your sanity. We've all been there!

2.Accomplish something

Make it manageable and sustainable. Even if that means reading one book the whole year, stick to it! You have the power to accomplish so much. Yes, it's hard. If anyone tells you they accomplish everything they set out for the day, nevermind a year... well, we've got some overachievers over here, and perhaps we need to know what the heck they're doing. I bet it's a time machine or a time-turner (for the Harry Potter fans).

It doesn't have to be a physical change or even a monetary change. It could be that you want to be more organized, keep your kitchen tidy, do the dishes (new parents, I'm looking at you!) or just take the dog out for a long walk. A hike? Some quiet time with your partner? Maybe it's something even more simple, like making your bed. You decide.

The only rule is to keep doing it. Set your goal and stay consistent.

"Simple daily disciplines - little productive actions, repeated consistently over time - add up to the difference between failure and success." - Jeff Olson (The Slight Edge)

3. Ask for help

Yes, I said it. Ask for help. It's even harder than accomplishing something. As humans, we want to be independent. We don't want to rely on other people. We want to do it all.

That "do it all" mentality often comes at a price. One's mental, physical or emotional health pays those ransoms more often than not.

I know what you're thinking. I can't ask for help, it will mean I'm not strong enough, or that I look weak. But the truth is, struggling makes you weaker. Literally. It doesn't make you look weak, it wears you down. It increases your ability to make everything look perfect, but at the price of your well-being and that is just not on. And frankly, no one is perfect.

You're welcome to read that sentence again because it's the truth. Perfection doesn't exist. Because we are all human, and all of us struggle with all the same issues, no matter how we try to hide it.

So, let's work on it. What do you say? I'm in. Are you?

Again, we're going for sustainable and manageable. I know, I'm a broken record. So here are some examples…

Have kids? Ask a friend to carpool with you and make morning or afternoon pick-ups easier. Need a break from dinner prep because of a fussy baby? Ask your partner to help, or pick nights that you don't have to cook and it's their responsibility. Having a rough day, confide in a friend, and go get a coffee so you can chat in a neutral setting with a delicious treat!

If your mental health needs a lift, find a good therapist. They're out there. You'll find the one that fits you. Or talk to a trusted friend, and ask for support. If your physical health is in need of a little nudge, talk to your doctor. They'll be glad you did. And if your emotional health needs some love, make time for a night with your favorite people, and play a silly board game or have a movie night!

Need a favor, ask for it. One day, you'll be able to help that person with something they need, and they will feel less embarrassed because they know you're there for them like they were for you.

Be open. Be honest and don't feel embarrassed because you need help. We're all in this together. This human race thing was created to be one big community. So let's do that, let's work towards helping each other. Your mental and physical wellness will thank you. I promise.

This seems like a lot. Changes that are so often foreign to us, and are the simplest things we can do for ourselves, our friends and those we love most in the world. Our health and well-being are paramount. There are so many so-called "solutions" on how you should work-out, manage your mental health, physical and emotional health it can feel like you're drowning.

So let's start with these.

This year is already off to a crazy and rocky start in so many parts of the world, let's focus on making your little slice of it a little more manageable.

Ready to rock 2020? Let's do it!

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