The beginning of the year makes us feel compelled to make positive changes in our lives.
The best way to make a positive change is to detox from all of the negative things you don’t need. These changes may be small, but the difference they can make is astonishing.
Lay off heavy social media use.
We have almost programmed ourselves to immediately hit the social media apps on our phone when we have even a minute of free time. But is that really the best use of our time? Think about it. Instead of spending all your free time looking at everyone else’s life, live your own. Don’t make social media be the last thing you do before you go to bed and the first thing you do when you get up in the morning. Spend your free time reading, journaling, listening to new music, doing crafts or spending time with friends. When you’re with friends, look up from your phone and live in the present.
Excessive social media use can also trigger anxiety and depression. In a study done by the non-profit group Anxiety UK, 2/3 of participants said they have difficulty sleeping after social media use and 25% said social media has caused relationship difficulties. Everyone makes their life seem absolutely amazing on social media, so if you’re down in the dumps, throwing yourself into social media isn’t going to help.
Make an effort to eat healthier and actually stick to it. I can’t count the number of times I’ve said, “I’ll start eating better next week” and ended up eating the same horrible food. Good food is fuel for our bodies. Treat your body right and give it the nutrients it needs. You will be amazed by how much better you feel. Planning meals ahead of time can help you from caving in and ordering a pizza. Don’t get me wrong though, allow yourself to eat all those greasy, salty, sugary foods you love so much occasionally.
Rid yourself of people who bring you down. Easier said than done, right? It can be difficult, especially if you’re emotionally invested. Though, in the end, you deserve to be treated well. If someone doesn’t value you for what you are worth, you do not need to waste your time on him or her. Such negativity can have a heavy toll on your self-esteem and overall happiness. Spend your time, energy and emotions on people who value you and add joy to your life, not take it away.
Quit procrastinating and get busy. The results of procrastination are unnecessary and can easily become a problem. Why add the extra stress of trying to accomplish tasks under pressure? Procrastination can also lead to subpar work (obviously), and I don’t think any of us want to constantly produce work that isn’t our best. Stop putting tasks off and start making things happen. You’re not doing yourself any favors by watching Netflix until you’ve had to press “I’m still watching” three times in one sitting. Your time is valuable. Use it wisely.
Stop talking down about yourself. I truly believe we can be our own worst enemies. We talk ourselves out of believing we can do things. But what is the point? It’s going to be very hard for someone else to make you happy if you aren’t willing to do it yourself. Stop focusing on the aspects of yourself you can’t change. Instead, focus on what you like about yourself and what you can improve. I know changing your way of thinking is tough, but take it step by step. Accept and love who you are.
Try to exercise more. We tell ourselves this all the time. My advice is to start off small, even if you only work out one day a week. Take 30 day challenges you find online for short-term goals to improve your overall health. One of the worst things we can do is sit around all the time. Get yourself moving any way you can. Go to a yoga class or take a walk with your friends. You might surprise yourself with how much you actually enjoy working out.
Stop keeping in everything you want to say. Don’t hold back this year; let your true feelings out. If you want to express to someone how you feel about him or her: go for it. There is no reason your voice and opinions shouldn’t be heard. Remind your friends how thankful you are for them. Thank your parents for everything they’ve done for you. Speak up in conversations. Whatever you say, speak from your heart and be compassionate.
Quit worrying yourself to death. It has taken me a very long time to realize this, but worrying really does get you nowhere. It isn’t going to change the outcome of the situation, it isn’t going to change the future—it’s just going to ruin right now. Let what will happen, happen. Yes, sometimes your worries will come true, but if you’re expecting them to, it’s just going to make it worse. The stress that comes from constantly worrying damages our mental, physical and emotional health. Be kind to yourself and quit ruining the present with worries of the future.
Make this the year you change and become a better person. You have the power to make this year anything you want it to be.
Feature Photo via We Heart It