7 Ways to Start the New Year Right

Hello 2017! Are you ready for the new year? As much as I love Christmas and the holiday season in all its excitement, there’s something magical about this first week of January. A fresh start, perhaps? And a chance to reflect, plan and feel invigorated for the year ahead. I’m not big on resolutions, but I do think January is a good time to be mindful and commit to two (or three) ways to improve daily life, whether it be fitness, relationships, career or well-being.

CREATE AN INSPIRATION BOARD  |  What’s your vision for 2017? Building an inspiration board is a creative way to gather favorite magazine tear outs, personal photos, handwritten goals or dreams, and meaningful quotes to keep in mind on a daily basis. To get started, I love these tips from Ericka on how to build an inspiration board. If you’re more into digital means, Pinterest is an easy way to catalog favorite quotes and resources to stay inspired for 2017.

SIMPLIFY  |  Living in a big city (i.e. apartments with minimal storage space), I’ve become fairly accustomed to keeping clutter to a minimum and not accumulating a lot of extra ‘stuff.’ No matter where you live: it’s easy to hang on to items that no longer get the use or love they once did, so it’s a good idea to keep areas in check before it’s overrun. (For me, that’s my bedroom closet…!). Beyond the closet, I’m trying to make sure items have a proper home, whether it’s in the kitchen or living room. Basically, I want to simplify and prioritize fewer, better things.  

GET MOVING  |  Most of us strive to get in better shape, don’t we? While of course it’s nice to look fit, exercise is also about mental wellness and feeling your best self. Working out is a major stress reliever and confidence booster! Setting small (but achievable) goals can help you stay committed and progressing in a fitness routine. In case you missed it, here are my 5 favorite fitness tips.

EAT CLEAN  |  Eating right is a big factor in overall health and feeling your best, too. I’m a fairly heathy eater, in general — but do indulge, of course! I always feel energized and strong when I focus on healthy, natural foods and focus on staying hydrated throughout the day.

DISCONNECT  |  While it’s fun to scroll Instagram and browse Facebook feeds, before you know it: you’ve spent an hour glued to your screen and ignoring those around you. While there’s a time and place for social media, mindlessly browsing can be a total time suck! I think it’s all about healthy balance, where we multitask less — and focus on being present more.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE  |  What are you thankful for? While that’s a big question, it’s an important one. This year, I want to be more mindful and express gratitude as much as I can. There’s so much to be thankful for — whether it’s relationships, successes, or more ‘simple’ things that can sometimes be taken for granted.

BE OPEN TO ADVENTURE  |  I recently read this quote on The Everygirl: “Try to approach the new year with an open heart, excited to learn what it has to show you, excited to take on the new challenges and opportunities and adventures it will inevitably bring. Plans are great to start with, but make your plans with the knowledge that everything may change in a moment. If your life tends to lean towards the routine, it might be a good idea to purposefully leave the door open for adventure a little wider. Live expecting adventure and it will find you. Live with an appreciation of the beautiful and more beauty will appear.”

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