6 Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year

Here are a few of our faves:

1. Drinking Water Will Solve All of Your Problems

Okay, maybe not all of your problems. But a myriad.

When I was still living in New York, I went to a Cameron Diaz book signing and she talked about how she started every morning with warm water with fresh squeezed lemon. As much as I wished I could be that person, I would usually wake up and zombie-walk to my Keurig for my hot bean water.

Buying a reusable water bottle has increased my water intake by👏🏼so👏🏼much. My skin is clearer. I have more energy. Less headaches. Don't underestimate the effects of even mild dehydration. Try switching out your diet soda for water and be cognizant of any mental and physical changes.

2. Get Moving

Coming from a girl who occasionally gets winded going up 3 flights of stairs, I'm by no means saying that you need to jump into a daily HIIT routine. It's okay to ease into it. It takes time to form a habit, be proud of the days you fit a workout in and remember it's okay to take days off and rest.

Gyms are great if you want a supportive community, but now that they are at limited capacity (if open at all) it's not everyone's first choice. Thank goodness for technology and access to thousands of workout videos and virtual classes on YouTube. You're sure to find your niche.

If it's a beautiful day, go for a jog and double up on Vitamin D and dopamine. Win win. Whatever you decide, just keep moving.

3. The Power of Beauty Sleep

In my early twenties, I'd sometimes sleep 3 hours and wake up with yesterday's eye makeup and call it a "lived-in-smoky-eye" and arguably still looked okay. Now, in my late twenties, if I don't get at least 7 hours of sleep I am an irritable nightmare with dark under eye circles.

Getting a good night's rest ensures a more productive day, a better mood, and boosts your immune system (um, essential this year).

When we are stressed, unwinding can be difficult. Try developing a night-time routine to send a signal to your body that it's time to relax. I actually look forward to doing my skincare routine at night (21-year-old me is shook) and putting my phone on silent mode.

4. Take a Much-Needed Break from Social Media

Scrolling through socials might seem relaxing, but don't forget that it is still an energy exchange that can cause a mix of emotions.

Our phones keep us informed. They keep us connected to our loved ones. They provide endless entertainment. But they can also be a source of anxiety, especially with issues that are out of our immediate control. Keep educated, but check in with yourself and remember that it's okay to disconnect for awhile and just...be.

Be conscious of the accounts that inspire you vs. the accounts that drain you. It's okay to unfollow or unfriend anyone or anything that doesn't "spark joy". 2021 is the year of putting ourselves first.

Pro-Tip: Instead of falling asleep with your phone in your hand, try reading a new book or taking some deep breaths to help you relax.

5. Practice Mindfulness to Achieve Maximum Chill

I used to think mindfulness was just meditation. Which was a no for me dawg, because I don't like to be alone with my thoughts (although the more you practice meditation the better and easier it gets and the more relaxed you feel).

Mindfulness is also slowing down and noticing your surroundings. We are accustomed to always be go-go-going. While it's good to be productive, it's easy to dismiss the little things. Take a note from Ferris Bueller and remember that life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in awhile, you could miss it.

Try doing one thing at a time and paying attention to how it feels. Notice your current habits. Really listen when someone is talking.

6. Keep Learning

With social distancing restrictions, it's hard to attend any classes - but that doesn't mean we need to stop learning new skills or using our brains.

We can still read books, try out a new recipe, paint, creative write, or give our best shot at a fitness class we didn't think we could do. Find something you enjoy and keep your mind active.

Starting even one new habit is something to be proud of. Start with one in January, and try adding another every month. Focus on the days as a whole that you met your goals, and if you have one “off” day, remember that you are human and deserve to rest. Intention > Perfection.

Soulvation Society is women-owned and operated.

Our mission is to encourage others to live life to their fullest, to learn from the valleys and to always keep improving yourself.

Our infamous Soulvation logo, the double arrow, signifies following your own path, and to keep moving forward regardless of what life throws in your way.

We hope that when you see our logo it reminds you to keep moving forward, no matter what.