Simple Habits To Start The New Year Off Right (so you have more time for your art)
December 12, 2023
There’s something about the start of a new year that brings about a flurry of excitement. It's the perfect time to reflect on the past, set intentions for the future, and establish simple habits that can have a profound impact on our lives.
I’ve never really been one to make resolutions, per se. I prefer calling them simple habits that can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle in general. Referring to them as habits instead of resolutions takes the pressure off of feeling like that if you slip up just a little, then you’ve sabotaged the rest of the year.
Slow and mindful habit-building takes time, but I believe the reward of a healthier version of you, both physically and mentally, is worth it. And of course, as artists, by simplifying our lives, we can hopefully be more productive with our art.
7 Simple Habits To Start The New Year Off Right
1. Start waking up a little earlier each morning
I’m sure most of us feel there’s never enough time in the day to get all the things accomplished. But an extra 15 minutes in the morning doing something intentional can really set you up for a more productive day ahead.
Bonus: Make your bed every morning. I’m not sure why it is, but I feel so much more accomplished and can start the day on the right foot if my bed is made.
2. Create a daily to-do list
Creating a daily to-do list is a simple, yet powerful way to plan your day and reduce the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do. I would be lost without my lists! It helps to visually see what needs to be done and then be able to check it off once a task is completed.
3. Read a chapter of a book
Designate a specific time for reading each day and start by reading just one chapter of a book. Maybe use that extra 15 minutes in the morning you’re gaining by waking up earlier!
Choose a book that aligns with your interests and goals and gradually start reading more as your habit strengthens.
4. Make time for exercise/daily walk
Probably one of the most popular new year’s resolutions that people make is to exercise and/or lose weight. And it’s also the most popular resolution that people give up on within the first couple of months of the new year. Instead of rushing to join a new gym or setting a goal to lose x amount of weight by a certain date, simply start just by walking daily. Maybe it’s only a short 10 minute walk around the block to start with until you gradually work up to 30 minutes per day.
Walking is so beneficial for our physical and mental well-being. And the fresh air doesn’t hurt either.
5. Simplify your meals
I’m not one to really enjoy cooking so I tend to automate my meals. I always start the day with coffee mixed with a delicious protein powder that keeps me full for hours. Lunch is usually leftovers from the night before. That leaves dinner as the only meal I usually put some thought into. And to make it even easier, I will sometimes order from a meal kit service like Home Chef or Hello Fresh so dinner is fast and easy! I’ve recently tried a new service called Just Meats. It’s literally just meat that gets delivered to your doorstep. The meats are pre-cooked, seasoned, and delicious which makes putting together a dinner so easy.
6. Declutter your space
Clutter and being disorganized can hinder productivity and peace of mind. Staying organized and decluttering can give you a sense of accomplishment and relief because physical clutter often turns into mental chaos. Our environment has a huge impact on our habits and behaviors. So take some time to remove all unnecessary distractions from your sight including the digital clutter like emails, which will help you focus on what needs to get done.
Do a little organizing everyday such as clearing out a corner of a room, going through emails, and keeping your workspace or art studio tidy to create a more functional and harmonious environment.
7. Self-care ritual before bedtime
Implementing a nighttime self-care routine can help you unwind, relax, and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Improving your sleep quality can considerably improve your overall health.
Some simple tips to help you unwind could be limiting your screen time a couple of hours before bed (I need to work on this), taking a hot bath, or sipping some herbal tea for relaxation. My personal favorite is relaxing in our hot tub in the backyard and taking some magnesium right before bed. I find I get better quality sleep by doing these things.