Lifestyle Changes I Made a Year Ago that I Still Live by Today
Hey there,
Let’s talk about the phrase ‘New year, new me..’. I admit, I always use the new year as a reason to change an aspect to my routine, my life, my goals, etc. Do I always stick to it? No. But it’s my starting point to convince myself I can tackle the upcoming year head on and with purpose and direction in mind. With that being said, at the start of 2021 I actually did change and incorporate a few new things and I’m here to say a year later that I stuck to them! And continue to do them!
SO, you don’t have to take it from me, but I guarantee if you explore a few of these lifestyle changes as well, you’ll notice a difference and might even stick to it yourself.
1. DRINK YOUR WATER
This is probably sounding like a broken record as becoming hydrated has started to become almost a trend(?) if that makes sense. We see it everywhere - drink 1 gallon everyday. BUT, I never realized how many benefits I was actually sleeping on before hopping on the bandwagon of finally properly hydrating myself…again, weird but it’s a trend on I’m on board with.
You will feel SO much more energized, clear-headed, tummy full, and even improved body recovery if you’re like make and can’t skip a leg day. I would say 5 out of 7 days each week I drink my one gallon each day and then some. Weekends are a little tougher because I’m on-the-go usually, but during the week you will always always always find me with my one gallon water bottle. And no shame to it! Definitely a change I will never come back from. Just a disclaimer, ** be prepared to run to the bathroom every hour, on the hour ~ you’re welcome.
2. DON’T SKIP ON SUNSCREEN
Again, probably another broken record, but this one I truly live by. It’s now a part of my everyday morning skincare routine. Before last year, I would rely on the sunscreen in my make up as being enough, which it still may be - but - before applying my makeup, sunscreen always comes first. All seasons, all kinds of weather, I wear it! Protecting my skin AND working double time for those anti-aging benefits as well.
This one is my personal favorite for my face.
3. MOVE YOUR BODY EVERYDAY
This does not have to mean go to the gym everyday, or even work out everyday. But, moving your body everyday has such a huge benefit far greater than working on your fitness. I found that my mood is much more improved on days that I do some kind of physical activity - whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or even doing something as simple as putting on music and dancing around. The endorphins released are NO JOKE.
4. READING IS COOL
Choose a book, read the newspaper, tune into a podcast even - expand your mind to new perspectives. I feel like as kids we read SO much because we had to, but now we’ve lost momentum and don’t seem to prioritize it. Some days I’m better than others at remembering to tune out for a half hour or so and lean into a book, but it has become a hobby I’ve grown to enjoy all over again.
5. PUT THE PHONE DOWN
I was sooo bad at doing this. Every morning the first thing I would do is scroll through my phone - one hour laying and I haven’t gotten up yet. NOW, instead of going for the phone (other than to turn off my alarm), I get up, make the bed, and stretch. Those 10-15 minutes of calm and stillness has really changed the start of my days for the better. I definitely recommend giving it a try. Find something productive to do first thing in the morning before logging onto your socials. Try it!
