New Year's Resolutions, and the thoughts behind them, can excite us or make us cringe.
Yes... many of them don't last long. Yes... many of them seem so grand and exciting, then deflate our balloons when we realize that grandiose might not translate to reality.
(Who has the time or energy to go on a run at 5:00 every morning*? NOT ME!)
So let's throw unrealistic expectations out the window. Right now. There are so many things we can do to improve our mindsets, bodies, and the communities we live in that are not only achievable, but also very effective.
BACK TO BASICS:
- Floss daily (twice is recommended). According to Very Well Health, this one act can prolong your life expectancy!
- Start taking a multivitamin and a daily dose of Vitamin D (which, according to my doctor, nearly every Coloradan needs).
- Move more. What this looks like is up to you. If you used to work out regularly but haven't in awhile, look into a new gym membership or try to go for a walk/run so many times per week. If you haven't been active in the past, the Couch to 5K program or an online yoga class each week is a great beginning. Find what feels right to you and start there.
- Limit or give up a vice. If you're like me, you probably already have an idea of what you "should" cut down on. Some common examples are soda, sweets, personal screen time, nicotine/alcohol, or even gossip... choose to lift others up!
FAMILY TIME:
- Call a loved one every week. Grandma will be thrilled to hear from you!
- Prioritize date night. I've heard that once per week is the best for a marriage but I don't believe this is feasible for the typical family. However, we could at least shoot for once or twice per month. Grab carryout, go on a hike, watch movies on the couch, paint the bathroom... just do it together, and without the kids! Up your game with our step-by-step plan for a Romantic Night In.
- Dedicate a few minutes per day to each child. This can be as simple as extra snuggles during wake up or bedtime, or reading one of their favorite books together. Even just a few minutes of one-on-one can mean so much to that child, especially if you have a large family.
- Give yourself grace. There are days when we wear ourselves down with parent guilt. Remember, you ARE enough and if you love your children, you ARE a great parent!
DOING FOR OTHERS:
- Find a cause you believe in and do what you can to help. Time, talents and money... what do you have to give? Or is it a little of each? Philanthropy is good for the recipient, for the mental health of the giver, and is a great foundation to lay for young eyes and minds. Not sure where to start? Visit volunteerconnectdc.org for organizations right here in Douglas County.
PERSONAL GOALS:
Do you have a hobby or skill you've been saying you'd like to try? In 2021, you could...
- Learn calligraphy
- Take online guitar lessons
- Go to an adult salsa class once a week
- Read a book. Visit DCL's What's New section for ideas.
- Watch a classic movie you've never seen. Get our '80s Movie Night Checklist and '90s Movie Night Checklist to see how many you can check off this year.
- Learn to sew or knit.
- Bake something new, like a pie made completely from scratch (including the crust) or a fancy cake (it may look like something from "Nailed It," but how much fun would it be?). This is a great one to take on with your kids as well!
What goals are you setting for yourself this year?
*Let me be clear, good for any of you who are out at 5:00 AM at the gym or on morning runs. Just don't text me about your productivity until I've had my coffee. 😉
