As we head into a new year, it’s common to think about the changes you could make to your life to improve your wellbeing and reach your goals. Taking steps to instil positive habits at the start of 2022 could set you up for greater wellbeing in the long term.
If you’re thinking about making a resolution this year, listing your priorities now and in the future can help give you some direction and lead to a habit that will have a long-lasting impact. Here are seven positive habits that could help you, whatever your goals are.
1. Create a routine and stick to it
Your daily routine can help improve your mental wellbeing. From setting a regular bedtime to eating at the same time every day, a consistent routine can reduce stress and help you focus on the important things. Finding a routine that works for you and your lifestyle could deliver a health boost.
A routine is also a good way to instil other habits that you may want to adopt. If you want to improve playing an instrument or learn a new craft, carving out a dedicated time each day or week to focus on this can help ensure you give these goals your full attention.
2. Think about what makes you happy
What makes you happy or gives your life purpose?
Regularly spending time thinking about what is important for you can help you make decisions that will lead to a lifestyle that brings your more joy. Yet, it’s something that many people don’t do. According to an Aegon report, only 4 in 10 people think about what gives their life joy.
It can be as simple as thinking about what you’ve enjoyed the most in the last week or what you’re looking forward to, but it’s a habit that can improve your mindset. Making a habit of doing this can help steer decisions to those that will make you happier and give you clear priorities when you think about the future.
3. Increase your physical activity
When your body is healthy, your mental health improves too. Physical activity is an excellent positive habit to adopt that can mean you’re able to make the most of your life. Not only will it improve your physical health, which can help keep you active and independent later in life, but it can reduce stress and leave you feeling happier.
Making exercising, from a brisk walk to swimming, part of your routine is a great way to improve wellbeing.
4. Get outdoors more
Being outdoors can make you happier and healthier, especially if you head to a place filled with nature.
Being surrounded by trees or other natural sights has been found to lower blood pressure and stress. It can instantly boost your mood and improve your focus too. A habit of going for a walk through your local park, or visiting national parks and nature reserves in your free time can improve your mental health and provide a chance to exercise outdoors.
5. Embrace mindfulness
Modern life can be stressful and mean it’s difficult to focus on the present. If you find that your mind wanders to other tasks or plans instead of enjoying the present moment, mindfulness can be a useful practice.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where you focus on what you’re feeling in the moment. It aims to relax the body and minimise stress. It can help you recognise how emotions are driving behaviours and it can help you make positive changes to your life. Just five minutes a day to practice mindfulness can boost your mental wellbeing.
6. Make time to spend with people
Setting out time to spend with other people can be hugely rewarding.
That may be time to focus on your family and friends or to find opportunities to meet new people. Socialising is good for a variety of reasons. It can not only stave off the feeling of loneliness and boost happiness, but it can help improve memory and cognitive skills. Making an effort to meet up with people physically or stay in touch digitally can make your life richer.
7. Make a long-term plan
Don’t just focus on the changes that could improve your life now, but look at what you want to achieve in the future. It can mean you’re able to look forward to the things you plan to do and relieve the worries you may have. Setting out what life you want to lead in 10 or more years can put you in control.
Despite the benefits, just 1 in 3 people have a concrete idea of their future self, according to the Aegon report. Just 13% of people have a plan to reach money goals that could help them achieve their aims. While you may have a vague idea about what you want your future to be like, a concrete plan means you’re far more likely to reach these goals.
This is something financial planning can help you with. We’re here to help you think about your long-term lifestyle goals and the steps you can take now to ensure you have the financial means to reach them. Please contact us to arrange a meeting.
