Ideas for Your 2022 New Year's Resolution

It’s a wonderful time to start implementing new habits with 2021 ending and a new year on the horizon. After nearly two years of living in a pandemic, people are using their introspections and experiences to reinvent themselves and their spaces. Read on to find inspiration for your own resolutions and tips for implementing them.

Clean Space, Clean Mind

Cleaning and tidying your space regularly can promote creative thinking and productivity. Plus, vacuuming and dusting removes allergens from the air and your space. Declutter with bins and labeled boxes.

Develop a Healthy Evening Routine

According to a Harvard study, the light emitted from phone screens suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone our brains produce and controls our sleep-wake cycle. Instead of staring at your phone until you fall asleep, develop a healthy routine that doesn’t involve scrolling. About a half hour before bed, set your alarms for the morning and put your phone on Do Not Disturb. If you use a Kindle to read, use the dimmest brightness.

Make a List of Seasonal Home Maintenance and Repairs

It’s totally reasonable to lose track of time and the tasks we need to do. Home maintenance is incredibly important and can lead to dangerous circumstances if overlooked. You don’t want the first Winter snowstorm to be the reason you remember to get your roof inspected or gutters cleaned.

Move Your Body

Even if you get up to stretch every hour at your desk, you’re most likely not moving your body as much as it needs. Before you splurge on a gym membership you’ll hardly use, try a couple of guilt-free choices like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or using your remaining minutes of lunch to catch some sun outside. Plan small walking trips or hikes with friends and loved ones on the weekend to connect with your body, those you love, and the community.

Eat Better and Drink More Water

If you struggle to find meals to cook for yourself or you’re sick of the same old meals, consider subscribing to a meal kit service. Services such as Blue Apron or Hello Fresh allow you to customize and rate the meals that are delivered. When your protein options are mainly red meat choices, experts recommend finding a vegan or vegetarian recipe you really enjoy and try to make it at least once a week. Eating less meat has direct and positive impacts to your cardiovascular health and carbon footprint.

Are you drinking enough water? Probably not. Before you pour yourself that second cup of coffee, try to drink a full glass of water. Especially in the winter, it can be hard to tell when your body is becoming dehydrated. Headaches, muscle aches, skin breakouts, mood swings, and hunger can all be effects of dehydration. Remembering to drink water regular can be tricky so we recommend carrying a water bottle with you. When thinking of which to purchase, think about what type of water you really enjoy drinking. Water bottles with infusers are a good choice for people who prefer adding different flavors. If you prefer your water to be cold, consider getting a water bottle with a larger mouthpiece to easily fit ice cubes.

Be Kinder to People

A study released by the National Library of Medicine in 2018 cites that being kind to others and ourselves can boost happiness and encourage similar behaviors for those around us. People are re-learning how to be social, especially after pandemic lockdowns. Giving a compliment to a cashier or service worker not only boosts their confidence but yours as well. If talking to strangers is uncomfortable, practice on friends and loved ones by having genuine conversations about why you appreciate and admire them.

Learn Something New or Take a Class

Learning new things can boost your confidence and offer stimulation your brain craves. Think about different skills you have always had a piqued interest in or admired. Remember: progress isn’t linear, and it takes 10,000 hours to “perfect” a craft or skill. Instead of striving to be the very best, make every effort to be a better version of yourself than before. If you feel more inspired when learning with others, look up local classes in your community.

Make Your House Feel Like Home

If you’re looking to give your home a refresh, consider new decor or a bold coat of paint. Rearranging a room’s layout can help your furniture feel new and exciting. If you still feel like something is missing, it may be time to renovate.

No matter what you plan on accomplishing this next year, we hope you achieve it. On behalf of all of us at McGlone Mortgage, we wish you a very happy 2022! Contact us to learn more about how our talented team of Loan Originators can help you achieve your home financial resolutions this New Year.