Think of a new year as a blank slate. It’s a time for you to take a deep breath, re-evaluate your lifestyle, and draw up a new plan to make adjustments to improve your life. If you’re stuck wondering what changes you can make to your daily routine, we’re here to help.
We know what it’s like to fall into a routine cycle where you feel like a cog in a machine. Life doesn’t have to be that way, and there are plenty of changes you can make to feel more energized, motivated, and healthy. Keep reading below to find our four tips for improving your well-being in 2020.
1. Get the proper amount of sleep
Sleep is essential for humans to function properly. It’s been found that chronic sleep deprivation has the same effects as alcohol intoxication— poor judgment, delayed motor response, confusion. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not going to be your best self, which is why it’s crucial you get the recommended 8 hours of slumber every night.
If you’re not getting enough shut-eye, it’s time to make some changes. Some tips for a better night’s sleep include:
- A new mattress: The surface you sleep on plays the largest role in how well you sleep at night. If your traditional innerspring mattress isn’t cutting it for you, try switching to a memory foam, hybrid, or adjustable mattress.
- Lighting: Light affects our circadian rhythm and biological clock, which tells our body when it’s time to wake up and go to bed. When it’s light out, our body tells us to wake up, and when it’s dark out, our body tells us to go to bed. If the morning light is waking you up before your alarm goes off, hang up some blackout shades. You should also reduce the amount of blue light at night that emits from TVs, digital alarm clocks, phones, and computers.
- Noise: Loud and distracting noises can also interrupt your sleep cycles. Whether you live in a big city or on a busy road, drowning out loud noises is essential for an uninterrupted slumber. Invest in a white noise machine to drown out any outside noises, and if things are especially bad, you may need some earplugs.
2. Clean your home
It’s amazing how a clean home can make you feel. If you’re living in a house that looks like it belongs on Hoarders, you’ll feel stressed, overwhelmed, and uncomfortable. These feelings can leave you tossing and turning all night.
A minimal lifestyle is a great way to improve your well-being and feel better. Start room by room and declutter to let go of the past and maximize your space. Just take advice from famous organizing consultant Marie Kondo and thank items and clothing for their service and get rid of them. Decluttering your home will declutter your mind.
Some ways to improve your home and well-being include:
- Indoor plants: Plants purify your home by removing toxins from the air. They will help you breathe better and will improve your mood and productivity while reducing stress.
- Oil diffuser: Essential oil diffusers disperse essential oils throughout any room they’re placed and have many proven health benefits, including improved sleep, mood, and a boosted immune system. You can take these benefits with you with lava stone diffuser jewelry that keeps these essential oils right on your wrist.
- New paint: Sometimes, all you need is a little change to make you feel more at home. To improve your mood and happiness, opt for softer muted colors such as light blue, green, lavender, and yellow.
3. Stay hydrated
Water is the foundation of life. Without it, humans, plants, and animals would no longer exist. If you’re not adequately hydrated, you may experience headaches, fatigue, and other ailments. Ensure you’re getting enough water throughout the day by purchasing a reusable water bottle and setting reminders throughout the day to drink. You also want to make sure you’re eating properly. Fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods and probiotics will give you the energy you need to seize the day.
4. Practice mindful meditation
Mindful meditation, along with any type of fitness, is a great way to release stress, improve your health, and boost your mood. When you exercise, the happy hormone dopamine is released, which is what gives you that “runner’s high” when you’re done working out.
Meditation, and similar activities like yoga, can actually rewire your brain to help you feel more positive and happy. As you meditate, it’s important you let your thoughts run through you, rather than harping on a single event that happened that day or week. It’s important to let things go in order to move on from the past and grow.
Wrapping up
Improving your well-being should be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list. After all, you only have one chance at life, so making it your best should be your number one priority. Reducing stress, whether it be through yoga or buying a fluffy puppy, will help you live life to the fullest.
