Oh, here we go again with the classic “New Year, New Me” chant on January 1st! How many times have we all belted that out, only to realize by early March, there we are, lounging on the couch in the same yoga pants, munching on chips straight from the bag, and making a mess of that pile of papers we couldn’t bear to leave at the office? I mean, come on, we’ve been there, done that, and got so many T-shirts, we could probably start a whole merch line!

But hey, it’s January again and time for those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions. This year, let’s shoot for the stars and aim to be a slightly cooler mess than we were last year. Oh, and of course, we’ve got to ensure that by the end of the year, our jobs and marriages are intact, the kids are alive and healthy, and we’ve got a few extra dollars in our pockets – it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!

Even though it feels like we goofed away an entire year, this post will focus on what we did “right” in 2023, some hard lessons we learned, and what we’ll try to do in 2024. Let’s make it a year to remember – or at least one that we won’t immediately try to forget!

1. Workout more and eat healthier

This last year has been a wild ride for us physically and mentally. I mean, who leaves a six-figure job, a massive house in sunny Southern California, and drives 3,000 miles to Rhode Island just to chase after a guy? (Spoiler alert, the answer is military wives — but how much does a girl have to give?) And then there’s the other one, giving up the classroom after 15 years of teaching to spend summers and breaks sipping on subpar Dunkin coffee and playing a never-ending game of alphabet soup with military acronyms. What a rollercoaster, huh?

This year, we are thriving. 

This time of year is a great opportunity to focus on our health. Whether we ate too much during the holidays or need to cut back on the post-celebration indulgences, it’s a good idea to start fresh in the new year. Consider joining a gym or creating a new meal plan to get back on track. You can start with easy activities like a short workout, taking a walk, or using the stairs. If you’re considering a gym membership or a personal trainer, make sure to find one that suits your needs and goals.

Remember, what we eat is just as important as how we move. It might be a good time to start eating healthier. If you struggle with cooking during the week, try meal prepping. Websites like Foodnetwork.com offer quick and delicious dinner ideas perfect for meal prepping. If you’re short on time for grocery shopping, services like Hello Fresh can deliver recipes and ingredients to your door each week. They often have special offers like $200 off your first 7 boxes, free shipping, or even free breakfast for life. Another great option is Marley Spoon by Martha Stewart, which offers more intricate recipes and a broader menu selection.

2. Skin, hair, and nails

In the words of Lizzo, “I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin’? (Feelin’ good as h***)”

Let’s be honest, when you look good, you start to feel good (at least that’s been my experience). It helps to look your best. You don’t need to spend a lot on a spa day at the Four Seasons; a long steamy shower and a shave session will do it for some!

Do you still have that massage or facial gift card you got for Mother’s Day? It’s time to use it! While you’re there, ask if they have low introductory rates for a monthly membership.

Looking for a new skincare routine? Rodan+Fields has many premium products for almost any skincare or haircare concern. Join the Preferred Customer subscription program to automate your routine and enjoy perks like free shipping, a free gift with your second order, and 10% off anytime. Check it out here.

3. Wardrobe reboot

Shopping experiences vary widely, from being a source of discomfort for some to a liberating activity for others. However, the arrival of the new year presents an excellent opportunity for a wardrobe refresh. January marks a prime season for purchasing clothing, as numerous stores clear out their winter stock to make room for the upcoming spring styles.

No time for shopping? Subscription boxes are the not so latest craze in the world of fashion and online shopping. All it takes is a few minutes to fill out a style quiz, and they will send you a box of clothing (and in some cases, accessories) picked out by one of their stylists. The boxes are sent to your doorstep, you keep what you want, and send back the rest. You only pay for what you keep, though many companies offer deeper discounts the more you keep. With websites like DailyLook, StichFix, and Wantable, there’s a box for almost any budget.

4. Read more

We’ve heard the saying “Reading is fundamental” all of our lives, so take some time out to read…or listen to your favorite book. I especially enjoy reading memoirs from my favorite entertainers, books that have been adapted for the big screen, and personal/professional development books.

Some of the most captivating memoirs of 2023 that truly touched my heart were Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington, Spare by Prince Harry, and Finding Me by Viola Davis. These stories resonated with me on a deep level, leaving a lasting impact. Additionally, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and the enchanting Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn took me on unforgettable literary journeys even before their adaptations. As for personal and professional development, the wisdom and insight found in any book by John Maxwell remain essential must-reads for me.

Not sure what to read? You can’t go wrong with the New York Times Bestseller list for some of the juiciest page turners. For those long commutes or while you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or doctor’s office, pop in some AirPods or Beats and listen to an audiobook with Audible.

Remember those trashy novels you hid in the closet, too embarrassed to read? Well, it’s time to dust off those covers and dive right in! Get ready for some guilty pleasure reading!

5. Get enough sleep

This cannot be emphasized enough!

Anyone who proclaimed “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” must not want to live long. Sleep is undeniably crucial for overall health and well-being.

According to the National Institute for Health, experts recommend that adults should aim to sleep between 7 and 9 hours each night.

We understand that it can be challenging to unwind after a long day’s work. Returning home to hungry children and a messy house after extensive meetings, reports, and presentations can be overwhelming.

Whether it is through yoga, meditation, or simply a long, hot shower, it’s important to find a relaxation method that works for you and enables you to get the essential rest you need.

6. Start journaling/blogging

Write it down! 

Not everyone enjoys writing, but exploring the world of journaling can bring numerous benefits. For many, journaling serves as a fantastic way to alleviate stress while offering a means of self-reflection by translating thoughts onto paper.

Now is the ideal time to emphasize the positive aspects of life by documenting small victories, achievements, and moments of joy throughout the day.

Numerous apps and physical journals are available to help kickstart your journaling journey, such as DayOneapp, Five Minute Journal, and Daylio.

Are you the supportive friend who always offers helpful advice? Do you possess an immense passion for a particular subject and yearn to share it with others? It could be the perfect moment to launch your own blog!

In this era of social media and easily accessible information, more and more individuals are breaking out of their shells and sharing their narratives and interests with the world.

You can easily begin your blogging journey for free on platforms like WordPress, Blogger, and Wix.

7. Take a day of PTO for yourself

Taking a day just for yourself is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s a chance to reclaim your time, your energy, and your happiness. When you have the opportunity to hand off responsibilities and carve out this precious time, it’s a radical act of self-love. Whether you choose to luxuriate in moments of pure bliss, or tackle tasks with fiery determination, the key is to relish the freedom of living the day on your terms. These moments are not indulgences, they are essential for your well-being. So, go forth and seize the day with passion, and do whatever sets your soul on fire.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to prioritize self-care. However, taking time for yourself is fundamental for maintaining a healthy balance in life. It allows you to recharge and reset, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilled and focused mindset. By embracing self-love and recognizing the importance of personal well-being, you are making a powerful statement about the value you place on your own happiness and fulfillment. So, make the most of this precious time, whether it’s through relaxation or pursuing your passions, and remember that it’s not selfish to prioritize your own needs.

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