11 tips for maintaining your New Year’s resolutions

While many of us were gung-ho at the start of 2019 about self-improvement, statistically, that motivation will have waned for the majority. Here are some tips to keep going.

Bellabox, a community group of Australian women that advocates self-care, said there are numerous things individuals can do to kickstart and maintain one’s motivation on the journey towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.

The 11 top tips suggested by Bellabox are:

1. Write it all down

Writing your goals is important and can be so much fun, Bellabox said.

“Whether it’s a personal diary or a gratitude journal, a meal planner or a checklist, sit down once a day and spill your musings onto paper. You’ll find it refreshing, relieving and it serves as a sweet time capsule to reflect back on in the future.”

2. Keep your mental health in check

“The state of your mental health is paramount to your overall wellbeing and should require just as much attention as your physical health,” Bellabox said.
“Be conscious of your headspace by finding some quiet ‘you’ time regularly.”

3. Join a local club

“Whether it’s your local gym, a book club, a cycling group – getting yourself out there is a great way to kick off your wellness journey. Plus, you might make new friends who share common interests and you’ll always have someone to push your motivation.”

4. Join an online community

Much like joining a class, finding inspiration online can change your mindset for tackling the day, Bellabox noted.

“Find content from empowering women, like-minded creatives, inspiring athletes, motivational speakers.”

5. Spend time with loved ones

“Sometimes seeing an old friend is all you need to restart the fuel when it’s low. Set aside time to see your family, friends and whoever may be a positive influence on your life. It’s no secret that having a strong network of support alongside you directly correlates to your mood and wellbeing.”

6. Master the art of meal prepping

According to Bellabox, meal prepping doesn’t need to mean all you eat is tasteless chicken and steamed vegetables.

“Recipe books or cooking apps are great solutions for creating a party on your plate and you’ll find that a medley of greens can be exciting when paired with the right things.”

7. Take a break from social media

“Like junk food, filtered lives and perfectly curated content will have negative effects on your health if consumed excessively. Place no value in engagement numbers and flashy aesthetics; log out every once in a while.”

8. Read more books

“We’re all Netflix worshippers here, but there’s something elating about ditching an episode for a few hours of reading,” Bellabox mused.

“There’s infinite magic tucked in pages and stories, not to mention they’re amazing sources for much-needed inspiration.”

9. Be inspired by other people’s stories

“Ever heard a story that resonated so well it changed your outlook forever? If you haven’t, here’s your push to search for one. Listen to podcasts, interviews, read your favourite blog, attend panels, find like-minded people and do it together.”

10. Learn something new

“Knowledge is power, and there’s never been a better time to load up, what with the infinite resources we have on hand.”

Think of a topic that you’ve always wanted to explore and start researching, Bellabox said.

11. Set goals and celebrate every win

“Everything from getting out of bed, to tackling a task that you’ve pushed aside for a while, to hitting your water intake for the day – celebrate every single win, you deserve it!”