Starting fresh: New Year resolutions

You might have a tradition, like me. I always list a few New Year's resolutions before the ball drops on December 31.

Let's start with mine and let me know yours in the comments below or email me. But as a reminder, we will check them before 2022. Break a leg!

What follows is a list of important lifestyle changes I want to make. This year, it's time to put me first.

Let's start with the motivation of "new year, new me" inspiration.

1. Wake up with the rising sun

I love being able to get up and greet a wonderful new day. The sunrise always sees far fewer people, which means no kids yelling, no cars, no television noise. The early morning hours are so peaceful, so quiet. I would like to have an allocated time just for me.

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” – Ben Franklin, famously

“Put no trust in the benefits to accrue from early rising, as set forth by the infatuated Franklin …” – Mark Twain

2. Be more active

I will use my apple-watch more proactive. During the pandemic, I have been working from home and I feel lazy and incline to gain weight.

I make a challenge to walk one to two miles a day and riding a bike for 30 km a week.

3. Mindfulness meditation

We aim to be nice to others, but then criticize ourselves relentlessly.

Stop! It is time to think nicer things about yourself. Mindfulness meditation can help to improve kindness, as well.

I will practise #mindfulness #meditation for 15 mins every morning.

4. Do a social media detox

Too much #social #media can be #toxic and #depressing. Studies have shown that too much social media can be bad for us, and a break from it is not a bad idea. I will not delete or freeze my accounts, but I will delete the applications from my phone for 10 days in a month.

“Low levels of social media usage are associated with better mental health.”

5. Read a book in a month

While I was writing my PhD thesis, I had little time to read the novels. I need to catch up on old times.

6. Finish writing of my horror novel

I was writing a horror novel, but it mired down. I am going to finish it, I might post it in there as well. Let's see :)

7. Do something that scares me

It might not make sense to you but, I am afraid of dogs (even though I do love them). I am planning to touch one of them. Please don't make fun of me!

8. Start a new hobby

I will learn break dancing. How about you?

9. Make only a jar of trash

Zero waste is really challenging. The goal is to make the only jar of trash to be sent to landfills, or incinerators. I will share some tips in future posts.

10. Send postcard more often

This year has shown us all that we want to stay in touch. If you would like to receive a postcard from me, please send me your address :)

2020 has been… a year which makes getting a fresh start in 2021 feel super appealing. We can celebrate the passing of the dumpster fire of 2020. These sincere intentions may make you feel overwhelmed. But change doesn't have to come all at once. We can pursue a few goals in baby steps.

People who write their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them. Whatever you want in 2021, commit it to paper.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!