We are currently bookmarking these 10 small ways to make 2017 less toxic
We can all agree that 2016 wasn’t the best of years. But let’s not dwell on the past, and instead keep our eye on the future. In 2017, we’re going to do all the things we said we were going to do in 2016 but never got around to doing them. We’re going to eat healthier, go jogging, apply to that dream job, etc. This year is going to rule.
But now that we’ve experienced how badly a year can crash and burn, what can we do to make our lives less prone to the toxicity of negative air, people, and ideas? Below we’ve listed a few things that can help your mind, body, and soul stay healthy in 2017 because we are going to do awesome this year whether bad juju likes it or not.
1Don’t spread yourself too thin.
Overcommitting to projects and plans is easily avoidable. But too often we find ourselves needing to be two places at once or frazzled to the point where we can’t sleep at night.
In order to keep your head clear and your body healthy, try only investing your time and efforts into plans that you will actually enjoy and projects that will positively pay off. This tip is especially directed at notorious people-pleasers. In 2017, think about yourself first.
2Begin working on your own personal project.
We all have that one big goal in the distance that has “someday” written all over it. This year is the year to start moving and shaking to make that goal a reality.
The smallest steps like starting a file folder to put ideas in, or carrying a notebook around solely for the purpose of jotting down your thoughts surrounding this goal, can make you feel like you are finally moving yourself towards that horizon. Plus, working on an exciting project can ease day-to-day stress and make the future seem extra bright.
3Reevaluate your relationships filed under “it’s complicated.”
A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to friends: If they make you feel bad, you should probably toss ’em to the curb. Once again, this one goes out to the people-pleasers of the world.
Surround yourself with those who care about you and raise you up rather than drag you down. Finally take a huge step back from the on-again-off-again relationship that has been putting a damper on your social life. Regain independence and solidify your ride-or-die girl/boy squad.
4Honestly, though, treat yo self.
It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of waking up, going to work, coming home, eating dinner, going to bed, repeat. One way to kill the repetition is to treat yo self to something special each week.
Maybe every Thursday you crack open a bottle of wine and watch a rom-com with your roomie. Or you could make your favorite meal for dinner on Wednesdays. Even just a routine as simple as calling your BFF once a week to get the dish on her weekend. Do something small (but meaningful) to keep yourself happy, relaxed, and sane.
5Take a breather from social media.
We are living in an age where we are constantly kept up-to-date on everyone and everything. Seeing pictures of your friends on vacation, losing weight, or hanging out without you can take a serious toll on your mental health. We even weigh our relationships based on whether or not someone is active on our Facebook or Instagram.
It’s one thing to use social media to stay updated on important news, but it’s another to unnecessarily flood yourself with other meaningless information that can negatively impact your self-confidence and outlook on life. Cut down your time spent on all social media outlets and we guarantee you’ll feel less stressed and better about yourself and your current situations.
6Keep things interesting by trying something new.
Have you ever sat at the bar that you and your gal pals head to every Friday night and felt bored out of your skin? Well then, it’s time to switch things up.
Take your girls and go to karaoke or plan a fancy, formal sit-down dinner instead of sitting and sipping at your local watering hole. You’ll be amazed at how doing something different can set the rest of your week off right. You’ll be more inclined to step outside your box in all aspects of your day-to-day. Vow to never fall into a rut in 2017!
7Keep a journal and actually write in it this time.
If your anything like some of us here at HelloGiggles, you have half-written-in diaries all over your house. It seemed like a great idea to keep a journal during a specific time in your life, but then all became well and you didn’t feel the need to keep writing. We know. We’ve been there.
But keeping a journal or diary is actually extremely helpful in keeping your mind happy and at ease. It’s one thing to keep talking to you BFF about that one guy who won’t text you back to the point where she’s tuning you out via headphones, and it’s another thing to write down all your thoughts and work out the situation physically on paper.
It doesn’t sound like it would make that much of a difference, but trust us, it does. Always keep that pen to paper and physically remove the cluttering thoughts from your mental space.
8Take up a relaxing hobby.
You could start a photo blog, knit hats for all your friends, or go hiking once a week. Find something that makes you happy and lets your brain think creatively.
The realization of positive effects that hobbies can have on our metal health is not new science because people have had hobbies for thousands of years — ever heard of whittling? What even is that, amiright? Having a simple escape from reality is important for everyone, and especially important for those who have a hard time separating work from play.
9Set some exciting goals or make some plans you can look forward to.
Plan a future trip to visit your friend across the country for a week. Set a soft deadline to finish the book you’ve been writing. Creating your own milestones for the year can help keep you positive and excited for the road ahead.
This tip is extra useful for those times when you’re in a slump at work and you need something to count down to. If you plan enough of these goals, trips, or events, evenly throughout the year, then you’ll always have something positive to look forward to and also something positive to reminisce about later down the road.
10Try to be your authentic self each and every day.
Wear what you want to wear. Do what you want to do. Don’t try to be anything or anybody else but you. It’s all stuff you’ve heard before, but being confidently “you” is the best way to feel fulfilled and satisfied with life.
Well said, Nicky. If you take 2017 to really nail down your self-confidence, everything else that crops up as a potential obstacle will be a total breeze. You’ll be able to make firm decisions and listen to what your gut is telling you about certain scenarios. Self-confidence is honestly a superpower, so use it wisely!
It’s the little things that add up to make the bigger things easier to deal with. If you incorporate these small-but-gratifying tips into your 2017, things will seem to be coming up roses here, there, and everywhere. Happy New Year!
