With a new year upon us, let's take a moment to reflect not only on the big and difficult moments of this year, but also on small pockets of joy and the accomplishments that made life better for many. However you chose to celebrate this new year day, we hope you are closing out the year on a high note.
Fireworks celebrating the new year.
The New Year is not about changing the dates but direction; not about changing the calendar but commitment. Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.
© 2020 by MoonoLIsa New window.
"Let's make this year about self-love, growth, and gratitude. Wishing you a fulfilling 2025!" "New Year is not about changing the dates but direction; not about changing the calendar but commitment." "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.
1. Move your body
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it 1,000 times: Physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your brain.
2. Address your anxiety
Surveys shows that many Americans are anxious. If you can relate, there are ways to manage your tendency to worry: Confront your fears.
3. Challenge your brain
If something is mentally challenging, “chances are that’s probably pretty good for your brain,” said Lesley Ross, a professor of psychology at Clemson University.
4. Get a good night’s sleep
Americans are chronically sleep deprived: One-third of adults say they get less than seven hours a night. And when people have trouble sleeping, it can affect how they experience stress and negative emotions.
5. Get unstuck
We all occasionally feel stuck at work or in our relationships, but there are small things you can do to jump-start your life: Try a ‘friction audit’. Identify the things that create obstacles and add complications or stress to your everyday and try to trim them away.
6. Stay cool
Studies show that hot days impair our cognition and make us more aggressive, irritable and impulsive. The tendency to act without thinking, or not be able to stop yourself from acting a certain way” appears to be affected by heat, so take the heat seriously and prioritize staying cool and hydrated.
7. Quiet your inner critic
If you often feel as though you never quite measure up, then it might be time to accept what’s “good enough.” Experts suggest letting go of that nagging feeling that you could or should have done more. Instead, give yourself credit for what you accomplish each day.
8. Take care of your physical health
We know that our brain and body are connected, but it’s easy to forget just how much one can influence the other.
9. Make a new friend
Feeling lonely and isolated can harm our mental health, and it may change our brains, too. In fact, there’s a growing body of research showing a link between loneliness and Alzheimer’s disease. To combat loneliness, reach out to a friend or family member — even a short phone call can have a powerful benefit.
10. Forgive — or don’t!
You can forgive someone and have nothing to do with them!
Note - Tips furnished by a good friend.