Achievable, Stress-Busting New Year's Resolutions
Have you ever sold yourself on an ambitious New Year’s resolution, only to let yourself down by mid-March? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions.
Oddly enough, setting a lower bar can give you much more impressive results to look back on in December.
Here are a few achievable New Year’s resolutions to help you reduce stress in 2018.
Do breathing exercises.
Breathing deeply tells your body to relax, which in turn helps clear and energize the mind. The most popular exercises take just a few minutes. For example:
- Breathe in through your nose for five seconds
- Hold the breath in your lungs for five seconds
- Breathe out through your mouth for five seconds
- Repeat several times
Add five minutes of deep breathing to your daily routine in 2018.
Make lists.
Lists can provide “inner solace”, according to Psychology Today. This is because list-making helps you master an information-overload, work through confusion about tasks, determine logical steps to take and “contain a sense of inner chaos”. Resolve to make one list every day, whether it pertains to work assignments or household chores.
Journal.
Much like list-making, journaling can provide clarity by helping you organize your thoughts. Writing about your life experiences can give you a new perspective and help you feel empowered. Want to focus more on the positive in 2018? Keep a gratitude journal, jotting down things you’re thankful for.
Be social.
Humans are social by nature, which means your support network is crucial to your well-being. Friends and family can distract you from stressors or help you work through problems, so be sure to connect with them regularly. New to your city? Make it your resolution to join a local club and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
Read.
Just six minutes of reading – whether it’s a book, newspaper or magazine – can reduce stress levels by two thirds, according to research from Mindlab International at the University of Sussex. Next year, work reading into your daily routine.
