words Al Woods
It’s the beginning of a new year, so you might be thinking about making better life choices. Perhaps you’ve made New Year’s resolutions to be more productive in your work. Or, maybe you’ve decided to devote more time to family. Whatever intentions you’ve set for 2022, the most crucial commitments you make are the ones that focus on improving and enjoying your life.
Very often, we start restructuring our lives because we’re displeased or feel discomfort with the way things are. 74% of adults in the UK claim they feel so stressed out in their lives, that they’re struggling to cope. In light of this staggering statistic, you might be asking, “What can I do to simplify and enjoy my life?” Here are a few suggestions about how to make resolution-making easier so you can fully enjoy your life in 2022.
Getting Realistic About Resolutions
If your goal this year is to reduce stress and enjoy your life more, that’s fabulous. Just bear in mind that making resolutions that are unrealistic might increase your anxiety levels. The thought of sticking to rigid rules or strict resolutions can suck a lot of fun out of living life. Furthermore, if you slip up or have a setback, this might make you feel even more stressed than you were before you set out to improve your life.
Counteract this vicious cycle by refocusing on realistic goals. Instead of setting strenuous demands upon yourself, perhaps you can focus more on positive aspects of your life. For instance, rather than make a resolution to lose 50 pounds in 2022, why not focus on eating healthy foods you already love? Do you see the difference? One statement focuses on things you already enjoy, while the other statement is inflexible and puts pressure on you to lose weight without any kind of positive reinforcement.
Start Small and Stay Steady
One of the best things to keep in mind when it comes to simplifying and enjoying your life in 2022 is to take baby steps. While having lofty dreams and goals for the year is admirable, taking on mammoth resolutions in one felled swoop could set you up for burnout or failure.
The solution here is to make small, accomplishable goals and celebrate your milestones. Treat yourself to your favorite, best coffee subscription as a reward for eating healthier for three months. Or, pat yourself on the back with a day of “you time” to commemorate all the efforts you’re making towards your work-related resolutions.
You get the idea. Set small, doable goals and adopt an award system as a way of acknowledging your successes throughout the year. Doing this will help you avoid feeling stressed about sticking to your goals as well as keep you motivated to see your resolutions through 2022 and beyond.
Appreciate the Little Things
Some of the top coaches and self-help gurus claim that an attitude of gratitude is key to enjoying life. Research from Harvard University shows that the act of giving thanks can make you happier and healthier. Upholding an attitude of gratitude can help reduce blood pressure, decrease cholesterol levels and even diminish stress, which is certainly a reason for celebration in 2022.
If you think you don’t have anything to be appreciative of, you might want to rethink that. Granted, you’re likely making resolutions in the first place to improve a life you’re unsatisfied with. However, that doesn’t mean your life is bereft of good things to admire and give thanks for. No matter how dire your situation might be, there is always something you can find to be grateful for.
Adopting an attitude of gratitude throughout 2022 will have a miraculous way of boosting your mood and will even help you keep to your New Year’s resolutions. Why? Because when you are happier and feel healthier, you’re more likely to make better life choices.
The Last Word on Rethinking Resolutions
Making resolutions is an admirable way to set a course for a happier, healthier 2022. However, resolutions often present stress, especially if we break one or two. That’s why it’s better to set realistic intentions that are achievable. Also remember to start small, and reward yourself for your accomplishments. Lastly, maintain a grateful heart because in so doing you will be better positioned to enjoy your life in 2022.
