If you’re anything like us, then you too are stuck in the cycle of endless New Year resolutions. At the beginning of every January, we promise ourselves that this year we’re definitely going to do this and that, like try a new hobby, read more books, get a promotion, go on more dates, and many other goals that inevitably get lost in the mundanity of everyday life. But here’s the problem with these plans: they are all grand, so your brain tricks you into not even starting them
to prevent you from failure.
If you want to actually change something, there are two things to keep in mind – don’t wait for January 1st and don’t set big goals. So, here are some changes you can make in your life now that are so small, they don’t even feel like trying something new. We won’t promise that you’ll become the next IT girl or be included in Forbes 30 under 30, but we can assure you that they will make a positive impact on your life, so that you can enter the new year feeling content.
Try the Pomodoro Technique
In fall and winter, we all tend to feel sluggish and apathetic. Even if you’ve constantly been named the employer of the month, this time of the year drains us of all our enthusiasm, which sadly often affects the work ethic and productivity. If you too feel like this, give the Pomodoro Technique a try: work for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break (ideally one that doesn’t involve any screens, like reading or doing some easy stretching), and repeat. This work method will trick your brain into staying productive and motivated, especially when you have tons of tasks to do but no energy to get started.
Wear Cozy Clothes
Wearing warm knits and cozy cardigans in late fall and winter months seems intuitive enough, but did you know that these garments can impact your mental health as well? The feeling of soft and comfortable fabrics such as cashmere, merino, and lambswool make a big difference in your mood and stress level, soothing your nervous system and helping to reduce anxiety. Who would’ve thought that wearing your favorite sweater can actually elevate your mood, and not
just keep you warm! And if you don’t already have a go-to knit piece, we suggest getting an Irish
sweater. Other than being cozy, sweaters like the ones from https://www.gaelsong.com/prod_detail_list/apparel-knitwear feature Aran designs such as cable stitching that is believed to bring luck and protection. When wearing such a comforting sweater, you will feel safer and more grounded, which will definitely improve your sense of well-being.
Swap Snacks for Fruits and Veggies
Don’t worry, this is not a “instead of a chocolate bar, eat 5 pounds of celery for the same amount of calories” type of advice. But really, during the colder months of the year, your body needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get, and the average snacks like chips and candy just won’t make it. Start by bringing a fruit to work. Then get a salad once a week instead of a burrito bowl that is your usual lunch. Then make a hearty stew at home one evening when you feel like
ordering takeout. These changes are so small that they seem almost insignificant, but after doing this for a while, you’ll notice how much better you feel.
Set a Time Limit on Your Phone
We’re so used to being on our phones 24/7, that we rarely think of the impact it has on our brains. However, even though it hasn’t even been too long since we have access to the world wide web, it has already been proven that our attention span went down drastically and that we all became addicted to the quick dopamine boosts and instant gratification of social media. Just think about it: if you have an average screen time of five hours per day, you’re essentially losing a day and a half every week. Facetiming your friends and family, taking work calls, and working, especially remote, are all valid reasons to use your phone, but if you notice that social media and the endless news are negatively affecting your mental health, it is better to set a time limit and stick to it.
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