Howe to Health

The new year inspires many people to reflect on their accomplishments, set new goals and head into January with healthier habits and a fresh start. Common New Year’s resolutions center around improving health; however, they are often confined to the narrow scope of fad diets and quick weight-loss. In this post, I’m sharing 11 New Year’s Resolutions that encourage growth in all aspects of your wellness journey through sustainable lifestyle changes, beyond the narrow lens of diet culture.

1. De-Clutter your Space

Boost your mental health this year by decluttering your living space. Taking control of your environment increases self-esteem, productivity and mental clarity. It allows our minds to find some peace and relaxation in our home.

When the world feels overwhelming and stressful, coming home to a clean environment provides a safe space for us to decompress. Additionally, regular decluttering reduces mold, mildew and dust. All of these trigger asthma and allergies.

A cluttered and disorganized home can contribute to angst and anxiety. Start small and don’t be afraid to let go of old clothes and trinkets! Here are few tactics to help achieve this resolution: create a family chore chart, invest in a maid service or incorporate small cleaning habits into your daily routine.

2. Try a New Exercise or Workout Class

The most effective workout is the one you love and will stay consistent with. Try a different exercise or workout class every week or month to find new ways to move your body that feel good to you. Make exercising a social activity by going on evening walks with your partner, joining a community yoga class or tagging along to the Lagree class your friend can’t stop talking about (it’s me, I’m the friend).

I look for new client specials or use Class Pass to try new studios and gyms. Class Pass is an affordable option that provides a wide range of classes and services so you don’t need to commit to one membership. Sign up for Class Pass using my link for a free trial and bonus credits.

3. Nurture Healthy Relationships

Set an intention to deepen your friendships, bond with your partner and/or strengthen your connection with your family. Healthy relationships bring us peace, a sense of safety and the support we need to achieve our goals. Toxic and unhealthy relationships can serve as a distraction to self growth and a burden on our mental health.

Check out this weekly relationship worksheet to promote open communication with your partner and deepen your connection.

4. Non-Toxic Product Swaps

My sister is the unofficial expert on low toxic living. She has inspired me to take a closer look at my makeup, skincare and household products. I’m already hypervigilant about the ingredients I put in my body. This year, I’m committed to setting a higher standard for the products that are in my home and on my skin.

Read your labels! Parabens, formaldehyde donors and ethoxylated compounds are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens that are commonly used in makeup and skincare. Ammonia, 2-BE and chlorine are known toxins to humans and the environment that are common in household cleaning products. I use the EWG website to check the toxicity of my products.

Candles can be extremely toxic to humans and our pets. Popular candle brands use a petroleum byproduct, paraffin, as the base. Paraffins are known to cause cancer, depression and irregular hormone functioning. Last winter, I switched to a Pura scent diffuser instead of traditional candles. I still occasionally burn candles for a cozy vibe, but I look for beeswax or coconut wax candles made with essential oils. Get $6 off your first Pura order!

5. Support Your Community Through Volunteering

Let this be the year that you fully immerse yourself into giving back to your community or chosen cause. You don’t need to be a big donor or dedicated philanthropist to make a difference. Check with your local nonprofits, schools, churches and hospitals for opportunities.

Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose, opens up your social circle, teaches you new skills and boosts happiness. These mental health benefits are directly reflected in your physical health. Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure!

6. Be Consistent with Journaling and Goal Setting

Journaling is an effective tool for self reflection, critical thinking, anxiety management and conflict processing. It boosts your memory, communication skills and works in tandem with goal setting. Goal setting is essential for self growth and personal development. It provides direction, helps you identify your priorities and holds you accountable for your progress.

Make time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions each week to stay grounded, present and motivated. Check out this weekly self reflection worksheet with over 55 journal prompts that encourage mindfulness.

7. Spend More Time Outdoors

Intuitively, we know that spending more time outdoors in nature is good for us. It’s associated with lowering anxiety and depression, as well as various physical health benefits such as reduced cortisol levels, boosted energy levels and lowered stress on our cardiovascular system. Connect with nature through long walks outside, gardening, interaction with animals, or grounding.

Grounding reconnects us to the earth through direct physical contact. It’s been shown to strengthen the immune system, regulate your circadian rhythm and reduce mental health issues. My favorite grounding techniques are walking barefoot in the sand and standing in running water, like the ocean or a stream. I live a mile from the Pacific so it’s easy for me to exercise these techniques year round. Grounding is most effective when your bare skin touches the earth. Discover the best ways to practice grounding in your environment!

8. Develop a Skincare Routine

This year, find the skincare routine that works for your skin type, budget and skin concerns. If you enjoy a 12 step process to wind down, go ahead and stack up the products. If you struggle to wash your face every night, a 2 to 3 step routine would be a better fit. Contact your dermatologist for recommendations based on your skin type and concerns. Consistency is key with this one.

My skincare routine is 3 to 4 steps. In the morning, I use a gentle foaming cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer and SPF. At night, I use the same cleanser, a cleansing balm if I’m wearing makeup, a thick moisturizer and an eye cream. Once a week I use retinol and once a month I do a chemical peel. Sometimes my boyfriend will humor me and we’ll do a face mask together, like this deep pore cleansing clay mask.

9. Practice Self Care

People who practice self care tend to be more confident, creative and productive. Everyone’s self care routine will be unique. Find whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed to improve your mental, physical and spiritual health. This could mean putting aside one night per week for an at-home spa treatment, setting boundaries at work, going for a solo walk, reading for an hour, or talking to a therapist. Explore your passions in life and commit to doing the things that bring you joy.

10. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Good quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. Its our body’s optimal time to reset and our brain’s opportunity to process the new information we acquired throughout the day. Proper brain functioning heavily relies on restful sleep and a healthy circadian rhythm. Here are a few ways you can improve your sleep quality: take magnesium glycinate at night, set your phone to Do Not Disturb an hour before bedtime, cut off caffeine intake at 2pm, reduce light pollution in your room and create a clean, relaxing space for the best sleep hygiene.

11. Reduce Screen Time

Limiting screen time has positive impacts on our dopamine receptors, sleep quality and mental health. In your phone settings, you can set up time limits for your social media and other addictive apps. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling and feeling overstimulated by your phone, this might be the resolution for you. Unplug and be more present in your social interactions, surrounding environment and daily life.

The bottom line

While New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for being short lived, the ideas listed above are sustainable, long-term behavior changes that can improve your physical, mental and spiritual health for life. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way, big or small! Challenge yourself this year to expand your horizons, be uncomfortable at times and treat yourself with kindness as you grow and change. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is an ongoing process that requires an everyday commitment to self improvement. The new year is an opportunity to define your goals and embark on your wellness journey.

Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!

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