Winter has a way of taking a toll on us with its shorter days, gloomy skies, and colder weather. December does a good job of averting our attention with the holiday magic and busy schedules, but that all comes to an end once January hits. January is like the post-food coma you feel after a big Thanksgiving meal. Rather than falling into a post-December rut, start the year off right with one final holiday gift: the gift of a fresh start.
1. Tune-Up Your Car
To avoid any major issues with your vehicle, it’s important to give it the attention it needs by doing the little things to keep it in tip-top shape. If you haven’t checked your oil in a while, then now is a good time to see if it’s time for an oil change again.
You should also rotate your tires about every six months to optimize their lifespan and wear. If you can’t remember the last time this was done, then the start of the year is a great time to get back on track. While you’re at it, check your tire pressure; changes in weather tend to throw off the pressure as they shrink and expand.
2. Set up a Dentist Appointment
If it’s not already on your list, then make “smiling more” one of your new year’s resolutions. The act of smiling can not only brighten the countenance of others but it boosts your own mood as well. Feel more confident in your smile by scheduling a cleaning, and by looking into cosmetic dentistry to fix any insecurities you may have about your teeth.
3. Write Holiday Thank-You Notes
Thank-notes seems to be a dying tradition except in times of events such as weddings. Express your gratitude and appreciation to those you received gifts from this holiday season. There’s something special about receiving a letter in the mail from a loved one, but if you are unable then a simple call or text is better than nothing.
4. Set a New Budget
Now that your bank account is suffering from all that holiday shopping, then it may be a good time to check out your spending habits from the previous year. If you don’t already have a good budgeting system in place, then Mint is a great app to help you get started.
5. Reach Out to an Old Friend
If there’s someone you used to be close to that you’ve lost touch with, then take some time to reach out and check in on them. Christmas cards can only do so much to update you on your friends’ lives.
6. Go on a Social Media Cleanse
Speaking of staying updated on friends’ lives, social media has been a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest for friends and family. However, it can start to get time-consuming and even toxic when you start comparing your life to others. Take a break from the screens and focus on you for a bit.
7. Clean out Your Closet
If you happened to receive any new articles of clothing for Christmas, then consider swapping out some of your old ones to donate or sell. It’ll save you the closet space, and prevent you from needing to purchase new hangers. Plus, there’s something liberating about purging and letting go of old items.
8. Declutter Your Computer
While you’re in the cleaning mood, consider decluttering your computer by ridding it of old files and duplicates. Kick-off your year with extra space for new photo memories and documents. If you don’t know where to start, then research safe systems downloadable online to clean your computer’s space.
9. Create a Two-Week Meal Plan
With all the Christmas parties, busy schedules, and dinner events that take place in the month of December, it’s easy to get off track with cooking meals. It may have been easy to fill up on holiday goodies, but it’s time to get back in the habit of meal planning. Or maybe you haven’t been good with planning meals in the past—lucky for us, there’s no better time to start than now! Try planning meals and recipes for the next two weeks, and see how it goes from there.
10. Set a Workout Schedule
About those holiday goodies… work off those extra sugar cookies by getting on track with a good workout schedule. Set attainable goals, and don’t discourage yourself if you happen to miss a few days. Adjust your schedule as you go to fit your time and energy.
Don’t let the gloomy weather affect your attitude at the start of the new year. Start fresh and kick off the year right with these ten ways to declutter, start new habits, and improve your quality of life.