6 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Day That Will Help Kickstart Your Resolutions
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ways-to-kickstart-new-years-GettyImages-2175699317-74680177e2cd43778148dbe56cc310bb.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "6 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Day That Will Help Kickstart Your Resolutions")
For many of us, the new year is a time of reflection and possibility. We think about what we want to accomplish in the year ahead and make resolutions with every intent to keep them, but by the end of January, we might find that we’ve struggled to make a change.
Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan, a licensed clinical psychologist, understands the weight that New Year’s holds and the difficulties people face when taking meaningful action towards their resolutions. “New Year’s Day isn’t just the first day of the year; it’s a powerful symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts,” she explains. The way you spend the first day of the year is crucial for creating momentum behind your goals: “Setting the tone for the year with intentional actions can significantly impact your motivation and outlook,” Dr. Ayrapetyan says. Keep reading for some actionable ways to spend New Year’s Day that will leave you feeling refreshed and focused for the year ahead.
Reflect and Write
Dr. Ayrapetyan suggests journaling on New Year’s Day, including “not just your achievements, but also the challenges you faced and how they shaped you” over the past year. Then, use your reflections to inform your intentions and resolutions for the new year. For resolutions that you’ll be more likely to keep, Dr. Ayrapetyan says to “make them specific, achievable, and meaningful to you.”
Move Your Body
“Exercise can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall health,” Dr. Ayrapetyan says. This is especially important if your resolutions include incorporating more movement into your routine. And don’t worry—you don’t have to drag yourself to the gym the morning after your New Year’s Eve festivities. A simple walk or quick yoga session are perfect options for starting off on the right foot in the new year.
New Year’s Day Brunch
While New Year’s Eve is the obvious choice for a New Year’s-related gathering, consider hosting or attending a brunch on January 1 as well. “Integrating community and shared meals adds a layer of support and joy to your resolutions,” Dr. Ayrapetyan says. “Sharing your goals with loved ones can provide you with a support system that holds you accountable and cheers you on.” Enjoy a delicious and nourishing breakfast with friends and family and talk about your hopes, goals, and dreams for the new year.
Mindful Goal Setting
Instead of resolutions, which Dr. Ayrapetyan considers more “rigid,” she suggests setting intentions for the new year. “Setting intentions allows for flexibility and adaptability,” she says. “Intentions are about the journey, not just the destination.” To guide your intentions, she encourages asking yourself questions like what do you want to cultivate in your life? What kind of person do you want to be? Write down your answers to create a record of your goal-setting for the year.
Try Meditation
“Meditation can help you connect with your inner self and cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility,” Dr. Ayrapetyan says, making it an excellent way to start off the new year feeling grounded. “These activities can help you clear your mind and reduce stress, setting a calm and centered tone for the year ahead.” Devoting a quiet moment to your mental well-being on New Year’s Day is a great way to start the year off strong.
Digital Detox
In order to start the year off with a clear mind, Dr. Ayrapetyan recommends putting your phone down. “A digital detox, even for a day, can help reset your attention span and decrease anxiety, enhancing overall well-being,” she says. Even if lowering your screen time isn’t one of your resolutions, taking a break from scrolling or checking your emails has many benefits: better sleep quality, increased presence in real-life experiences, and a greater sense of control over your well-being, to name a few.
Dr. Ayrapetyan affirms that regardless of how you spend New Year’s Day, self-compassion is essential when implementing any new lifestyle change. “Be patient with yourself, celebrate your successes, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans as needed,” she says.
Source link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-speed-up-laundry-GettyImages-1313237345-99ff4b9dc6334362a5e43ec7346d3d5a.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "10 Tweaks That Will Save You Time on Laundry Day")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/home-depot-designer-pix-hydrangea-055d86cf177141bf887c590e489c3d6d.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "5 Affordable Things Interior Designers Always Buy From The Home Depot")
