Creating goals for the new year is a great way to be more intentional about your life and the person you desire to be. Health and wellness should be a top priority, and what better time to set personal, enjoyable, and motivational goals than the start of a new year? Ask yourself, what habits does my “best self” have? If you can map out your ideal life, setting positive goals can happen in a relatively short span of time.
The SMART method is a popular trend that many goal-oriented people use to itemize how they will reach their goals. SMART goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and on time. For example, if you want to become more active, the SMART goal would be “I will walk 2 miles per day for a month.” This is a more motivational method to measure your success and feel fulfilled after. We’ve rounded up four examples of health and wellness goals that should be on your list for the 2023 year.
Get active
Moving your body can improve your brain health, manage weight, and reduce disease risk. Movement isn’t just a workout routine. It can be practicing yoga, dancing to your favorite song, or taking a walk around the museum. Whatever it looks like for you, the goal is to focus on movement and having fun. It’s essential to take care of your body. You only get one.
Start journaling
There’s something about the pen-to-paper action that helps the brain focus on one thing at a time. Journaling is an easy way to regulate emotions and slow your mind down when you feel overwhelmed or cluttered with life’s responsibilities. There are many journaling prompts and ways to journal creatively that can help you gain a new sense of self-identity. Many people start their mornings or end their day with journaling to stay inspired and get better rest.
Use mantras
A mantra is a word or phrase often used during meditation that can help someone whose mind tends to wander a lot. There is no correct way to use a mantra as long as you are calm and controlling your breathing while reciting them in your head or out loud. “I am calm,” or “I have compassion for myself and others,” are good examples of mantras. Some people write them down in a journal and practice them daily to create healthy habits.
Limit your time with things that drain you
Every life encounter can either energize our minds or drain us. Limiting things that drain us, like people, tasks, and social media, is essential. Cleanse your timeline of any blatant negativity. Be honest with your tribe about how you’re feeling mentally or if you can, listen to someone else’s issues.
