New Year, New You? Simple Lifestyle Changes to Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Start A Gratitude Journal

Writing down a minimum of three things or people you are grateful for every day can dramatically increase your mood and keep things in perspective when life gets chaotic (as we all know it does). Journaling alone can provide a healthy outlet to vent about challenges you are facing, help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and keep you in a positive mindset. Also, recording goals and affirmations can help you manifest them into reality, and allow you to feel more empowered and successful. Social media sites are an excellent resource for journal writing prompts if your inspiration ever dwindles, but do it when you feel like it and inspiration strikes you, not because you have to!

Reveal why a bedtime routine helps next.

Start A Bedtime Routine

Getting into a healthy bedtime routine can allow you to sleep better. For instance, turning off all gadgets twenty minutes before going to sleep can improve your overall quality and length of sleep, as it allows your brain to enter a deeper REM state. Your bedtime routine can also include a hygiene routine by showering or taking a bath, doing light stretches, taking melatonin or other sleeping supplements to aid in falling asleep faster and for longer, reading or listening to soothing music to relax an overactive mind, and setting the alarm. Many smartphones have 'bedtime' apps attached to the alarm, which can regulate your sleep patterns and get your body into a positive sleep cycle. Just make sure to do it long before hitting the hay!

Learn something new about making this your best year now.