New Year, Same You (But Better)
5 minutes read
- Written by Yubo Team
It’s the New Year. And just as every New Year has started, everyone is thinking about their 2023 resolutions. In typical fashion, even though they had an entire year to work on these resolutions prior, no one did. So, instead, they say this will be my year and commit a few weeks of 2023 to these goals. After all, New Year, New Me. But, should it be? You’ve gotten this far on being you, so why change that? Instead focus on small changes to create a better life, rather than a new you.
Budget Better
How to budget better? Well, we’re not here to discuss the 50/30/20 rule, recommend any investments or ridicule you for buying necessities. We’ll focus on the smaller aspects, and the more doable changes you can make now.
Wait at least 24 hours before making a major or frivolous purchase. You’re scrolling through your favorite store’s webpage and see the perfect item. Would you even have considered buying it if it didn’t appear in front of you right now? That’s what the 24-hour rule is for. It’ll give you time to think about whether you really need that item or not. Maybe every time you wait 24 hours, you still decide to buy the item afterwards, and that’s fine! But, it will still help to remove buyer’s remorse and bring a little mindfulness into your consumption habits.
On top of waiting 24 hours, make sure you also don’t give in just because something is trendy or cool right now. You’re watching your favorite influencer and they recommend a product, or maybe it’s the viral video of a singular piece of clothing that everyone must have. It’s easy to get distracted by all the shiny new things we see on social media daily, but remember, you don’t always need it. But, if even after 24 hours you still really want it, then live your life!
Sleep Some More
Sleep, as much as our high school teachers may not have thought so, is essential. Getting the proper amount of sleep each night can help you stay healthier physically and mentally. How can you improve your sleep? Start with these simple steps:
- Try to create a pre-bedtime routine
We know life can be hectic, and doesn't always go according to plan. But, every night when getting in bed, try to create a similar routine. Whether it’s your end-of-day skincare, a great book, or putting on some mellow music and turning the lights down, try to create a routine. Your routine will notify your brain each night that it’s time to go to bed.
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon (and evening)
Whether it’s coffee, tea, soda, or any other form of caffeine, put all of it down at least 7 hours before you go to bed. Even if you may not be feeling the effects of your caffeine intake at the end of the night, studies have shown that it can still affect your sleep.
- Say goodnight to your phone screen
The quicker you turn off your phone screen before bed, the faster your brain will be able to turn off for the night too. For some people, this may be part of your pre-bedtime routine. We’ve all lost time endlessly scrolling through 5 second videos, not understanding how those 5 seconds turned into over an hour of your night gone. So, if you aren’t able to put down your phone screen before the nighttime routine begins, at least put it down a tad earlier than you usually would.
Add Movement to Your Day
And now we’ve reached the typical New Year’s resolution of exercising more. But, as said before, this isn’t a resolutions article, this is for betterment and simply making small improvements to your similar lifestyle – not changing what you’re all about entirely. Exercise doesn’t have to be sweating it out in a gym or following a Youtuber’s workouts. It can simply be taking a walk outside or even a few circles in your room. Just move and get your blood flowing.
Why is moving your body every day important? Movement can aid in reducing stress, helping you think more clearly, giving you more energy, better sleep and just all around a better feeling or mood. You don’t need to block large times out of your day to move. Just do what you can with what you’ve got and if you find yourself needing a break from the stresses of everyday life, take a walk.
Go Outside (No, really)
You’ve likely been hearing this from your parents since you were a child, but there actually are benefits to going outside. You can read more about the vast benefits and studies behind them here. But, to sum it up for you, the key benefits to taking some time outside include physical and mental wellness, such as reducing stress and muscle tension, and providing a relaxing element overall.
While you’re outside, maybe take the opportunity to practice gratitude or positive affirmations, or even call a friend and check in on how they’re feeling about the new year.
Make New Friends
And of course, the ultimate betterment you can have this 2023, is to start making your newest best friends and meeting new and interesting people! Friendship, socializing, and having people you can lean on is important, and what better way to make those new connections than on Yubo?
