1. Start a morning routine
If you're accustomed to hitting the snooze button several times and stressing your way from bed sheets to spreadsheets then now is the time to put a morning routine in place. Simple practices like making your bed, taking some deep breathes and making time for meditation can set you up for a less frantic, more productive day. If you need some extra inspo, here are seven things you can do every morning to improve your health and the morning routines of Australia's most successful women
2. Streamline your social time
When life gets hectic one of the first things to fall by the wayside is catching up with mates and dates.
A great little schedule you can put on your fridge to check off each month is the following:
- 1 lunch catch up with a friend or friends
- 24 hours no social media
- 1 day outdoors
- 1 night out with a friend or friends
- 1 date night (can be with yourself!)
- 1 breakfast catch up with a friend or friends
- 1 movie night
- 1 day completely to yourself
2. Do one new form of exercise each month
Whether it's ocean swimming, rock climbing, roller blading or lawn bowls – trying a new way of working out is a good way to make exercise interesting and enjoyable.
3. Make a fitness goal that's not about aesthetics
Deadlift heavier. Finish a half-marathon. Get your heels hitting the floor in a downward dog. The finished product of fitness goals can go far beyond how you look.
4. Get a skin check
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed some form of skin cancer during their life but alarmingly, only 36 percent of us have had a skin check within the past year and 29 percent of people have never had a check at all, according to research by life insurance and income protection company TAL. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and detectable types of cancer, so book an appointment with your local GP, dermatologist or skin cancer clinic. And don't be nervous about the experience, here's everything you need to know about getting a skin check.
5. Write in a journal
Science-backed benefits of journalling include improving mindfulness, memory, communication skills, sleeping, self confidence, IQ and even your immune system. Stuck on where to start? Try writing down three things you noticed during the day, three things you're grateful for, and three things you want to achieve in the near future. Then go from there!
6. Travel to a new destination
Whether it's an island in the south pacific or a new beach a few suburbs over – add new travel destinations into your 2020 to-do list.
7. Reduce your environmental footprint
For many, this resolution is understandably top of mind and trying to make a difference can feel despairing. But every little bit counts. Try ditching single-use items like plastic water bottles and coffee cups, eating vegetarian one day per week and recycling soft plastics. Head here for more tips on reducing your waste.
8. Focus on your funds
We get it, money stuff can be boring and confusing and frustrating. But it's also so dang important. Whether it's savings goals, starting investing, or slaying credit card debt – there are so many ways you can improve your financial situation in 2020. Want to wise up on money matter without heading to snooze town? Listen to podcasts like She's On The Money and The Pineapple Project for stellar tips and real life experiences.
9. Quit fast fashion
We've become accustomed to two hour shipping and five dollar t-shirts when shopping, but the reality is that this comes at a major cost to both human workers and the environment (read more on it here). If you're game, try a challenge like not buying new clothes in 2020 (second hand, swapped or gifted is still ok) or choosing only ethically made fashion.
10. Eat more vegetables
If you want to make a change to your eating habits (please, don't start a fad diet – a dietitian explains why here) add more vegetables to your meals in 2020. Your goals could be to try cooking with a new vegetable each month, sample a new veggie-based recipe each week, or eat seasonally.
11. Read more
If the last time you picked up a book was some time in year 12, then get back on the reading bandwagon. It's the OG of mindfulness practices and the best way to broaden your horizons. Set a goals like a book a month, a range of author backgrounds or different genres. Your best bet? Start a book club! Reading and wine is always a good time.
12. Start a new hobby
From sewing to surfing, pottery to plants – pick up a new hobby in 2020 and stick with it. Set aside time each day, week or month to commit to your pastime of preference.
