2016 may or may not have gone as planned, but there's no need to worry! 2017 will bring even more opportunities for improvement and personal growth. If you didn't meet your 2016 goals, don't beat yourself up. According to a recent study, approximately 92% of Americans fail to meet their New Year's resolutions. That means that only 8% manage to stick to their promises and make the positive changes they desire.
But 2017 is your year, and this time you will succeed.
One of the best things you can do for yourself in 2017 is to strive for peace of mind. A peaceful mind is the optimal starting point for anything you would like to achieve, and it will give you the sense of support and reassurance you need to tackle the rest of your New Year's resolutions. It sets up a mental "environment" that can keep you calm, positive, and motivated throughout the year, and it also does wonders for your health!
Check out these ten recommendations to get started.
1. Go for Nature Walks
Being out in nature has highly positive effects on the mind and body. Spending time outdoors reduces feelings of stress and frustration, lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and strengthens the immune system. It's also a good opportunity to get some fresh air and a healthy dose of vitamin D. You may even find that you come up with better ideas on your walks.
2. Start Budgeting
One of the biggest causes of stress is money and the lack of financial security. Financial issues also put a strain on relationships and are a leading cause of divorce. To get more peace of mind in 2017, create a realistic budget and stick to it. Having a budget in place and giving more attention to your finances will make you feel more secure and in control of your situation. It will also help you figure out when you can safely make purchases and when it's time to cut back.
3. Meditate Regularly
Learning how to meditate will help you get ahead in many ways, including improving your focus and lowering your stress levels. Meditating helps you by slowing down your thoughts and creating space in your mind. It forces you to be present and removes any worries you may have for the future, or regrets you have from the past. It's a great way to reset your mind and refresh yourself for the day and tasks ahead, and it's also the perfect way to prepare for a good night's sleep.
4. Join a Fitness Class
Whether it's Zumba, yoga, or spinning, joining a fitness class will keep you healthy and on track with your fitness goals. As opposed to working out alone, joining a fitness class will automatically create a fitness schedule for you and make you less inclined to skip or quit altogether. It also adds a social element and makes the workout more engaging and fun. Joining a class with a friend will give you extra incentive to show up.
5. Learn How to Cook Healthy Dishes
One of the foremost things people worry about is their health. Eating healthy food is an obvious solution to weight issues, malnutrition, and disease management. However, most restaurants don't have many healthy options, and the unhealthy options are often too tempting to ignore. To avoid these temptations, it's best to cook your meals at home. Learning to cook healthy, balanced meals will make you feel better and give you more peace of mind in areas that concern your wellness and appearance.
6. Get Your Home Organized
When your home is cluttered, your mind is cluttered. Home is where you are supposed to be able to relax and release the day's stress. If its chaotic, unorganized, and even unattractive, you won't find any peace of mind there. Having an arrangement that is functional and orderly is essential. Having furnishings that are comfortable and pleasing to look at is equally important. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but everything from your bedding to your rugs should be comfortable and soothing.
7. Give Up Coffee
You probably cringe at the idea of giving up your favorite morning beverage, but doing so can radically change your life for the better. If you experience frequent symptoms of anxiety, and most people do, drinking large quantities of caffeine will only make your symptoms worse. Drinking coffee every day can increase feelings of confusion, frustration, and urgency, and it can keep you from getting a good night's rest.
8. Hire a Life Coach
If there's one person who can help you do anything or reach any goal, it's a life coach. Life coaches are experts at helping people straighten out their priorities and create master plans for success. They also help their clients reduce stress and introduce them to techniques that can bring them more peace of mind. They can become a major part of your support system and help you feel more secure in the knowledge that you are on the right path.
9. Devote Time to Your Goal Every Day
If you never devote time to the things you want to do, they will never get done. Setting aside just half an hour every day to work towards a personal goal will help you feel more at ease and much more satisfied with your life. Things that need to get done will get done because they must, but it's up to you to make your personal goals a priority.
10. Commit to a Cause
Committing to a cause you care about will make the world a better place, and it's the perfect way to bring yourself more peace and happiness. Spending time volunteering, donating money, sponsoring people and pets, or helping to spread awareness are all great ways to commit yourself to something meaningful. It will give you the added comfort of knowing that you're someone who helps and works for positive change.
Peace of mind is easy to achieve when its backed by the force of intention. Taking small steps such as the ones listed above will go a long way in making you a more peaceful, happy, and balanced person.