2020 had its ups and downs and its time to start fresh during the new year! I know we have all set "New Years Revolutions" but do we really keep up with them? For many people, including me, the answer is yes, I have made it a point to keep up with my resolutions and goals for this year. But for others, including me, setting a big goal may be overwhelming. Setting small goals throughout the year is a more reasonable way to build up to your big goal without having it feel as if everything is piling up. Healthy habits are a great thing to start incorporating into your life in 2021 and can help set the foundation for those bigger goals! From getting fit to being more organized: here are 6 healthy habits to start practicing in the new year!

• Start your day off with gratitude

When I first heard of this I was so lost so don't worry, let me explain. Gratitude is basically the act of being thankful. It is the feeling that embodies the term "Thank You." Why do we need to practice gratitude? Recognizing the things in your life that you are thankful for will help you to see the good in your life even if everything feels hopeless. Expressing gratitude first thing in the morning will help set a positive outlook for the rest of your day and cause you to be more productive. It is scientifically proven that expressing gratitude leads to better sleep, a greater sense of well-being, improved mental health, and a better ability to handle change. As we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would say all of those things are necessary to keeping your sanity!

Here are a few ways to practice gratitude:

- Keep a journal by the side of your bed and write at least 3 things that you are thankful for when you get up and/or go to sleep

- Remember past bad times while also remembering the good

- Text or write to friend or family member telling them how much you appreciate them and why

• Drink more water

I know you have most likely been told this at one point in your life but I am here to tell you it is true. Studies show that 75% of the American population is chronically dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to the loss of strength and stamina for every day activities. Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney problems and an increased risk of kidney stones. Drinking more water will maximize your fitness performance (whether its just every day activities or sports), will improve energy levels and brain function, will help prevent or treat headaches (which is especially important now that we are on screens all day), boosts skin health, and overall helps bodily functions.

• Make a daily to-do list

Making a to-do list every day will increase your daily productivity and helps to set a plan for your day. Setting a plan for your day is super important, especially during this pandemic, to help you to reach your goals. You can set minor tasks such as making your bed or unloading the dishwasher, or slightly larger tasks like completing a project for school or cleaning out your closet. Personally, making a daily to-do list helps me to feel productive and like I didn't just sit around all day. I also recommend pairing this with gratitude so that you can keep it all in one journal.

• Do a 7-minute clean of your room every day

Wether you do it when you wake up, when you go to sleep, or both, cleaning your room is another way to set a positive tone for the day. With a clean space, your head will be more clear as well and you can focus on other things you want to accomplish that day. It may also give you anxiety relief, increased creativity, improved sleep, and a sense of achievement. There are many more endless benefits of a clean space. Heres how to do a 7-minute clean:

- set your phone timer to 7 minutes

- when you press start, begin to pick up anything on the floor or off of any sort of table

- then you can make your bed

- organize your bedside table

- bring any dishes out of your room and into the sink to be cleaned

- vacuum

- fold any clothes and put them away

• Spend time outdoors

There is a big misconception of what it means to be outdoors. No, it does not specifically mean to be out in the wilderness. Outdoors is quite simply outside. This can be in your backyard, your neighborhood, or even on a local hiking trail. Spending time outdoors, no matter what activity you are doing, will give you fresh air and vitamin D. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us have been confined to our homes so just going into our backyard will give you a nice change of scenery. Outside is also the perfect place to get some exercise! You can go to a local hiking trail and hike with your family or you can go on a walk around your neighborhood, all with a mask of course :). It is scientifically proven that spending time outside reduces stress, improves concentration, and your thinking will be sharper.

• Eat a healthy breakfast

This one is virtually self-explanatory. We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why? Obviously, eating a healthy breakfast will start your day off with energy. You have been sleeping for hours and your body is hungry and ready for its next meal. Most breakfast foods provide a daily dose of many essential vitamins and nutrients. Eating a healthy breakfast will boost your brain's heath as well, causing it to focus better and thus you will be more productive. Eating breakfast in the morning will give you necessary fuel that will get you through the day and boosts your metabolism. Be sure to look out for my guide to healthy breakfast ideas coming soon!

All images are from Google except the last.