A Better You For The New Decade
Making the top of the list is eating better, exercising more, money management, and trying new things. While those are ALL excellent things, this year, we’re entering a brand new decade, which feels like something we should really take seriously AND take advantage of.
It seems like just yesterday we were partying like it was 1999, and about to turn over into a new century! Can you believe it’s been 20 years since then, and here we are again, about to welcome in the year 2020?!
It’s time to really work on those resolutions you always make, but might not be great at sticking to.
We’ve found some great ideas on things you can work on for the new year, making 2020 your best one yet!
What are some ways you can strive to be the best you in the new decade?
** Set Intentions
Why start the new year with rigid resolutions that will most likely result in stress and guilt? Creating intentions (and actively writing them down) is a much more realistic approach to setting goals for yourself. Draft up daily, weekly, and monthly intentions to help take the pressure off your daily schedule and allow you to focus on the big picture.
** Break a Sweat
There’s no ideal time to break a sweat, but staying active for 30 minutes per day is enough to move you toward your 2020 fitness goals. Not all exercise has to be strenuous either—consider morning stretches, gentle yin yoga, or a brisk walk during your lunch break.
** Face Your Fears
We’ve all been advised to “do one thing every day that scares you,” but it’s a powerful sentiment that isn't exactly realistic for someone with a full-time job, responsibilities, and a comfortable weeknight routine. If your fears include skydiving, feel free to do just that, but know that more mild acts of bravery apply as well—karaoke nights and new hairstyles included.
** Make Sense of Your Space
Cleaning up your physical space both at work and at home does wonders for your headspace. If the idea of a thorough deep clean sends you into a clutter-induced panic, tackle each organizing task in 20-minute increments. Simply set a timer on your phone, plug into your favorite podcast and start organizing. Do this a couple of times over the course of a few days, and you’ll create a tidy space even Marie Kondo would approve of.
** Pack Your Bags
Whether you’ve been wanting to travel to Europe or depart on a brief weekend getaway, do whatever you can to hit the road. Some of the best memories are made while traveling, and you'll ultimately feel recharged, whether your vacation includes a journey to the Bahamas or a jaunt in the Berkshires.
** Discover a New Hobby
A hectic work schedule and bustling social calendar can make it difficult to break out of your standard routine. While you may feel short on time, it's essential to carve out time for yourself to try new hobbies and identify new interests. Dying to make pasta from scratch? Test out an irresistible Cacio e Pepe recipe. Interested in trying Pilates? Ask a friend to go to a class with you. Commit to your interests, and even a small effort will feel like an accomplishment.
** Develop a Routine
If endless online shopping and holiday parties have left you feeling out of sorts, kick off the new year with a refreshed daily routine. Anything from a daily morning walk to a nightly bath creates the illusion or order, and serves as the perfect excuse to decompress before or after a busy day.
** Practice Gratitude
Regularly expressing gratitude has been shown to shift your perspective for the better. Take stock of what’s going right in your life by expressing it out loud or by writing it down. To make the act of gratitude expression even easier, jot down your daily thoughts in a bedside journal, like this Good Days Start With Gratitude notebook
** Volunteer Your Time
Giving back to your community or a cause you're passionate about can make a lasting impact. Research where and when you can volunteer on a local level, whether it means collecting canned food or clothing donations. To view thousands of feel-good opportunities in your neighborhood, check out VolunteerMatch.com.
** Put Down Your Phone
Between the onslaught of texts, emails and Instagram notifications we receive hourly, our smartphones are now a permanent fixture in our everyday life. In an effort to be more present, spend less time on your phone with this simple hack that'll trick you into drastically cutting down your daily screen time.
** Treat Yourself
Daily life can get hectic, which is exactly why intentional self-care is crucial. Make time for a miniature reward with either a weekly manicure, morning meditation or a new purchase that genuinely brings you joy. Whether you gift yourself with a new book or a few minutes of solitude, prioritizing time to do things for yourself will make you happy and keep you sane.
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With about 60% of the U.S. population making resolutions, but only about 8% keeping them, we know it’s not always easy to stick with big changes.
- Check out these excellent tips for keeping your resolutions!
https://www....owtokeepthem-
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We’d love to help you keep your resolutions!
*A common resolution is to ‘Try new things’, which is why a painting class at Pinots Palette is an excellent idea! Come in for a step-by-step painting class where we’ll show you how to create a masterpiece in just 2-3 hours!
*Another excellent resolution is to ‘Stress less’ (Or ‘relax more’)… We can help you with that, too! Did you know that painting and other creative activities have been scientifically-proven to reduce stress?
It’s something that you tend to get lost in; It's like meditation: very peaceful, very serene, and a kind of psychotherapy. Your right brain is at work which is non-judgmental, which allows you to forget all the worries you have for that period of time.
*Lastly, if spending more time with loved ones is high on your resolution list, as it is with many people, share in the experience of making art, drinking wine, and having a lot of fun together. Our gift certificates make a wonderful presents for friends and family this holiday season. Give them out to some of the people on your list and attend a class with them! The gift of an experience is always a fantastic idea, and when you’re spending time with them during the class, it’s even better. A parent or grandparent would love to get a gift like a painting and wine class, because then they’re able to try something new, while bonding with the ones they love most!
Keep Pinot’s Palette in mind for all of your needs this season and here's to you living your best life in 2020!
Happy New Year!