How to upgrade your habits in 2020
A person holding a sparkler (Dani Aksenov/Unsplash.com)
As the new year approaches, it can be tempting to write off New Year’s resolutions as a cliche that only leads to unused gym memberships and fridges full of spoiled mixed vegetables. If you think like this, you are not entirely wrong. According to a study by the University of Scranton, only eight percent of people actually achieve their new year’s resolution.
Piling on a bunch of new tasks at the beginning of the year is a great way to ensure you burn out before February hits. Upgrading your habits is a great way to improve your current routine.
Here are 3 easy tips to enhance the things you are probably already doing:
1. Get a planner
I am going to go out on a limb and guess that you have things to do on a day-to-day basis. No matter how hard you try (and try and try) to ignore them you have responsibilities. Since this is not going to change, having a planner allows you to organize your never-ending list of tasks, which makes them seem less daunting and easier to tackle. It also minimizes your risk of forgetting important due dates and deadlines. When we write by hand, we have to coordinate verbal and fine movement systems," said Dr. Helen Macpherson of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University in an interview with the Huffington Post. Digital planners are nice for big-picture planning but physically writing things down is proven to help with memory so you are less likely to forget important deadlines and assignments.
2. Get a journal
A journal is like a planner but for your thoughts. This year if you felt like your or someone you know vented to social media a little too much a journal is a great way to organize and expel your thoughts in private. Throughout the day, our thoughts and emotions come at us so quickly, we don’t have time to process what we are feeling and why. Writing down your feelings is known to help relieve and release pent up tension. According to the University of Rochester Health Journal, journaling can help improve mental health by: “Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns. [Journaling also helps to track] any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them. [Lastly, it provides] an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.”
3. Add something to your skincare routine
It is with good faith that I am assuming everyone is leaving 2019 with some semblance of a skincare routine. What stage you are in regarding your skincare varies but adding a new product or step is a great way to build upon something you (hopefully) already do. If you use a face wash and moisturizer try adding a serum or toner. Meeting yourself where you are at helps make changes stick.
Our thoughts, actions, and regular practices sum up to make us who we are. Sprinkle enhancements onto your everyday task and before you know it you will be a healthier, organized and more efficient version of yourself in 2020.