There’s something about New Year’s resolutions that are simply delicious. The innate desire to improve ourselves ramps up to eleven and we decide that this will be the year that we lose ten pounds, or write our novel, or run a marathon. While these aspirations are admirable, New Year’s Resolutions have an unfortunate failure rate. Why? Maybe because we aren’t choosing goals that we truly want to achieve, or maybe we don’t break these resolutions down into steps. Whatever the reason, here are eight New Year’s Resolutions that you can absolutely accomplish this year, no matter how busy you are. These resolutions focus on concrete, achievable actions that will improve your life instead of broad statements that you can’t measure or stick to.
We all procrastinate now and then, but there’s no doubt that it takes a toll on our motivation and happiness. Mark Twain suggests that if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning then nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day. While we wouldn’t suggest actually eating a frog, the principle of tackling your hardest task first thing in the morning ensures that the rest of your day with be a piece of cake!
No matter your age, taking your skincare seriously is a major step in the right direction (we love moisturizers from Babor). It works miracles both for nourishing your skin preventatively at a young age and working to undo damage as your skin ages.
It could be anything! We are very skilled at sticking to our routines and staying in our old habits. Take a mental inventory of the routine habits you have formed and try to break one! Choose the scenic drive to work, try that spin class that you vowed you never would, or try a bikini wax for the first time. Get a little creative and set a new intention. Getting out of our comfort zone increases our creativity and overall wellness.
Have you heard that your body language might shape who you are? Based on the research of social psychologist Amy Cuddy, if you stand in a confident pose you will feel more confident. Who doesn’t need a little more confidence in their lives? Give it a try and let us know if it works.
Shallow breathing (the kind that comes from your chest and shoulders) keeps your body in a state of high-stress, and you don’t need that! Breathing deep and slow from the belly (or diaphragm) signals your body to relax, your mind to relax, and your system to regulate. Practice it a few times a day, when you feel your stress level rising, or when you’re trying to get a better night’s sleep.
We know you know that drinking water is important, but we have to say it again: it’s really, really important! Your body needs to complete every single function that keeps you healthy, relaxed, and happy. Invest in a water bottle that suits your personality, spice up your hydration with infused waters, and do whatever works to make sure your getting in those eight cups a day. Your body will thank you!
There are a lot of things to spend time on. However, at the end of the day, the people in your life and the time you spent with them are what make an impact. Book a mother-daughter facial day, call your parents, and make time for the friends who have stuck around in your life!
You sure do work hard! We love to keep busy working on our goals and taking care of the people we love, but you can’t give from an empty tank. This year, take a moment for you. Bond with your partner through a couple’s massage, or refresh your skin with an Eifelfango mud treatment – whatever suits your style.
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to tackle 2019! Happy New Year from Cielo!
1725 State Street “C”
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
