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Another year down and this was a big one for me. I took a leap and left a 15 year career in TV news to take on something totally new with a way more flexible schedule. 😉 I also continued the trend that I started a few years back to take better care of myself. Some of my friends even tease me a bit, since I am getting into the realm of ‘out there.’ (I was never too far off, let’s be real) But I am a believer in doing what works for you, and I have to say I have been feeling pretty fantastic and I know my healthy habits play a big role in that. If you are looking for some healthy habits to take on, here are a few of my favorites!
Healthy Habits to Kick Off in 2018:
Meditate: I put this one first since I think it is the most important. I feel like meditation has honestly changed my life, for the BETTER. It was not an easy habit to start, I had to force myself to do it each day, but now it is second nature. Honestly, the Simple Habit app is what helped me stay on track. I know I have talked about this app many times before, so let me remind you that this is NOT sponsored. I have no affiliation with Simple Habit, I am just really obsessed with their app. I can do 10-15 minute meditations now, but for a very long time I simply did the 5-minute meditations. (one in the morning and one before bed) I noticed such a big difference in the way I felt that it helped me to stick with it. I can’t really explain why mediation makes me feel better, but I am to the point now that when I miss a few days, I can tell. You are really just going to have to trust me on this one. Try meditating 5 minutes a day for a month. You’ll be hooked!
Drink Less Alcohol: I am the first to admit I LOVE wine. Real, true love. So here I am, reading tons of books about anti-inflammatory diets, cutting out sugar and eating clean… all while drinking AT LEAST 2 glasses of wine a night. One day I just woke up and thought, “That can’t be good.” While there are benefits to drinking red wine, I just felt like I was drinking too much overall. I still have my wine on the weekends, I just try not to have it during the week. I have found that drinking less has helped me to sleep better, I have less anxiety and I just feel healthier. Why not give it a try and see how it makes you feel?
Start a Thankful Journal: I know I have talked about this before… but it is such a game-changer. I feel like I tell this to so many people but most of them just brush it off. However, the ones who actually try it all tell me they are shocked by how much it has made a difference and helped them to have a more positive outlook. Before you go to sleep, write down 10 things you are thankful for.
Put Your Phone Away When You Get Home: When you get home from work, put your phone in a drawer or somewhere you can’t see or hear it. I don’t know about you, but if I can see or grab my phone… I find myself mindlessly checking it. Not only does this distract me from enjoying time with my family, it also sets a bad example for my kids. I don’t want them seeing me constantly checking or looking at my phone. Out of sight, out of mind. (I really loved this book for inspiration)
Try to Enjoy NOW: This is something I have been working on this year. Instead of worrying about what is coming, I try to simply enjoy where I am. For some reason, making the decision to leave my TV career combined with my son turning 9 this year really helped me in this arena. I KNEW I wanted to get out TV, I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. Instead of figuring out an entirely new life plan and career, I looked for an opportunity that met the requirements of what I needed RIGHT NOW. For this season of my life. Once I changed my way of thinking, I found a job that fits and I have zero regrets. My son also turned 9 this year, which means I am halfway done. It made me reflect on all the times I have told him, “Not now” when he asked to play as a toddler or the extra snuggles I have passed up on. This year a switch just went off. I still have a long way to go, but I have made huge strides when it comes to living in the now and it feels really, really good.
There you go. 5 healthy habits that have made me a happier person in 2017… and I am going to continue working on them in 2018. Do you have any healthy habits you want to kick off in 2018? I love hearing other peoples resolutions so leave me a comment! 🙂
good ones! I’m currently trying Headspace (also no affiliation), the paid version – wonder how that compares to Simple Habits?
I tried the free version of headspace and I couldnt get into it for some reason. Maybe I didnt give it a chance since I was already used to Simple habit
Loooove these! Yes to enjoying the now! Was already thinking of having a gratitude jar.. that thankful journal is a great idea too!
I am obsessed with my thankful journal. It is a game changer for me!
I love the idea of a thankful journal! I’m grateful for every day, but it would be so nice to write it all down!
I am obsessed with mine! I love looking back and seeing what I was thankful for at the time 🙂
I really love the putting the phone away when you get home tip! I am trying to work on this when i spend time with people. To make sure my phone isn’t in sight 🙂
Yes, I hope this works for me since I am totally one of those people who mindlessly grabs their phones!
I need to put my phone down more often, that’s a good goal to have!
Such good suggestions! I currently have a ‘do not disturb’ that automatically turns on and off for my phone, but I’m working on setting it for an earlier time. Ultimately, I want to be tech-free from 8pm until 8am, but I’m a night owl and that might drive me batty. Or not. Maybe I’ll be able to read a lot more than I have been! Maybe 2018 will be the year of being semi tech-free!
I feel like I need that, like something that will just make my phone disappear for a few hours! ha!
One of my goals for 2018 is to be on my phone less and spend more time with my 9 month old son.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Those are great goals! I need to get off my phone… but so far I havent been doing a very good job! ha!
These are all great tips….unfortunately the wine one, too!
I know, it is the hardest one for me. I have been drinking way too much over holiday break too.. I need to get back on track!
Lauren,
Thank you for your post. Putting my phone away was a great idea. I never realized in how much time I spend checking emails and going on Facebook.