Author: Ieva Baranova / Source: Lifehack
The end of the year is the time when everyone tries to give you advice on how to live healthier, look better, and earn more money.
It’s understandable if you find yourself lost among all the tips and opinions. Sometimes you no longer know what you truly want to achieve next year – and what’s just imposed by society.
To help you out, we’ve made this article about the things you should remove from your new year’s resolution list – instead of adding to it – to make your daily life more harmonious and peaceful.
So just make sure you cross these off your New Year’s to-do list – your body, mind and soul will be thankful.
1. Stop Buying Meaningless Gifts
We all know the sense of obligation – when we have to buy a gift for an event or celebration that’s already tomorrow, but we still have no idea of what to give.
Take these tips close to heart for all upcoming holidays, including birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc.:
Stop focusing on the material objects
Instead of focusing on what material object to give, think about the emotion you want to evoke[1] in the gift recipient, and then pick a symbolic gift that can support or represent that emotion. For example, you can gift coziness by presenting a “comfort set” with warm socks, tea, candles, etc. Or give motivation by presenting a beautiful planner or notebook.
Plan gifts in advance
We know this is easier said than done. But if you try to plan which gifts you’ll need in the upcoming months (try making a list three or four times a year), ideas will more likely come to mind and you’ll avoid that last-minute shopping. Not to mention, you’ll be able to keep an eye on sales to get the best prices.
Suggest a better way
If you’re tired of exchanging gifts for birthdays and holidays, initiate a different approach. For example, draw names among family members and agree that each one only buys a present to that one person they got. Alternatively, you can agree not to share gifts among adults, and only give presents to kids of the family. Or, ask friends to donate to charity instead of buying a gift for you.
Go for common experiences instead of exchanging gifts
You can agree (with your partner or the extended family) to go on a common trip, dinner or another activity, instead of spending money on gifts.
Sometimes you’ll have to be the one who initiates breaking the rules that have been accepted in the family for years. But if you suspect that you’re not the only one in the group who’s tired of gift-hunting, you’ll surely find support for your suggestions.
2. Don’t Exaggerate with Diets and Fitness Resolutions
It’s no secret that TV shows, article headlines, and ads (not to mention our healthy diet-obsessed friends) make us feel like we need to look better, slimmer and younger than we actually are. But going on yet another diet or starting a fitness plan with the wrong motivation rarely leads to great results.
If you are like many people, you have probably signed up for an annual gym membership at least once in your life – only to drop it one month later.
How do you balance a good resolution for a healthier life without pushing yourself into commitments that won’t last?
Here’s what you can do:
Set a healthier pattern
For example, do meat-free Mondays or reduce meat consumption to three days per week (less saturated fat for you and better for the environment). Or choose to eat only healthy food at least three days a week or only on weekdays (e.g. make sure your meals contain vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and protein). This way you’ll already have a healthier diet while still being able to treat yourself with a snack on weekends or parties.
Get a fitness watch
Fitness watches like Fitbit or MiBand are tiny accessories that will count your steps, calories burnt and will serve as an excellent motivator to move – or to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Find a physical activity that you enjoy
Even if you are not that fond of doing sports, you can definitely find an activity that you’d do with pleasure. Think about what you’d like – from taking up Nordic walking to pilates or even exercising at home.
Try intermittent fasting
This is an alternating cycles of fasting and eating. For example, stop eating at 8 pm and restart not sooner than 12 hours later. This approach has been proven to have numerous health benefits, in addition to weight loss.
Skip cabs or driving to work and opt for cycling or walking instead
You’ll burn calories, breathe some fresh air, and save money – win-win!
3. Put a Cap on Your Daily…
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