What I’m Loving: New Habits for the New Year

I haven't always looked forward to ringing in a new year, but adulthood will change you, and so I'm welcoming 2024 with positivity and manageable expectations.

I would like to incorporate a few healthy habits in the new year, but I find that if my ambitions outpace my capacity for change, I fail miserably. Therefore, I am going to introduce new habits gradually over the first several weeks of the year.

Below is an example of what I plan to start in January and early February and hope to continue indefinitely.

January 1-14 - Exercise 3X per week; drink at least 40 oz. water daily; no food/snacks after 7 p.m.; journal 2X per week.

January 15-21 - Exercise 4X per week; drink at least 50 oz. water daily; no food/snacks after 7 p.m.; journal 2X per week; no social media scrolling once in bed.

January 22-28 - Exercise 4X per week; drink at least 60 oz. water daily; no food/snacks after 7 p.m.; journal 3X per week; no social media scrolling once in bed.

January 29- February 4 - Exercise at least 4X per week; drink at least 70 oz. water daily; no food/snacks after 7 p.m.; journal 3X per week; no social media scrolling once in bed.

If I maintain these habits, my quality of life will improve across the board. I hope to gain energy, feel rested and practice gratitude without feeling overwhelmed in early 2024.

Do you have any plans for the new year?