Create space for your New Years resolutions
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It’s that time of year again when we begin to think about new year’s resolutions. The beginning of a new decade couldn’t be a better time to do this. It’s important to keep in mind that living in an environment that supports your health, wellness and fitness resolutions will make you more likely to achieve them. Here are some common resolutions and how best to support them.
Let Go Of The Past
If you are resolving to let go of the past, start by eliminating the objects in your space that no longer work for you or have negative energy and memories associated with them. While the Mari Kondo method is a great way to get rid of things, it may not be realistic for every object in your home. For example, a toolset may not spark immediate joy, but when you need to hang a picture, it most certainly will.
Take an inventory of all categories in your home. Linens are things we tend to hold on to that can take up physical space in our lives. Set aside stained or damaged items, but don’t toss anything out. Your local animal shelter is likely happy to take that towel you accidentally stained with bleach or the faded top sheet you never use anymore.
Then check your kitchen. Do you really need three crockpots? Are you saving chipped dishes? Give things away in good condition and throw out broken items.
The same applies to décor. If you’re sick of that Live, Laugh, Love sign, it’s time for it to go. Start the year fresh surrounded by things that you really like.
Eliminate Unnecessary Stress
Is your refrigerator on the fritz? Does the pilot light constantly go out on your old stove? Have you had the same mattress for ten years? Does this weigh on your mind?
If a gadget or appliance that’s supposed to make your life easier somehow makes it more difficult, replacing it can eliminate a source of stress. Take advantage of those after Christmas sales!
Give your Life And Home An Overhaul
Change your space. Change your outlook. According to Home Advisor, most people renovate their homes during the warmer months. So, take advantage of the fact that January isn’t a peak time. Interior designers and contractors are more likely to negotiate with you when they aren’t too busy. Taking control over your home can help you feel more in control of your life. Then enjoy the spring and summer months in a new and improved living space.
Establish A Wellness Routine
Are you trying to focus on wellness in the new decade? If you’ve done the work to designate an area of your home for a specific wellness practice, you’re more likely to stick with it. It’s also a visual reminder of the intention you set. For example, if you want to meditate more often, designate space in your home with a cushion or a comfortable chair for this practice.
Exercise And Get In Better Shape
If you’re resolving to improve your fitness, a great home gym means you have no excuses not to. “It is essential that you think through the details so that your home workout space is functional and works effectively for your lifestyle, home and family traffic,” says Robert Brace, a personal trainer who has worked with Bebe Rexha, June Ambrose, and Hannah Bronfman.
Location is incredibly important. He suggests designating a room or area with little traffic so you don’t disturb others. “For example setting up your home gym in the living room may interrupt the family’s television or gaming time. It should also be remote so that you can get away from the stress of everyday duties and focus on your workout,” he explains.
In terms of size, Brace says, “250 square feet is usually enough for a home gym with a piece of cardio equipment, dumbbells and mats.”
But if you don’t have a large room, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. If this is the case, he recommends investing in new technology equipment like The Mirror, a Peloton bike or a cable machine such as Tonal. “They take up a small footprint, have a screen with lots of workouts to choose from and some even allow you to interact with other users remotely.”
It’s also ideal to choose a room with good sound insulation. “You want to make sure that the sound and vibration from your workouts don’t end up making too much noise for the neighbors or other members of your household. Basement areas are ideal for this,” says Brace.
Improve Your Sleep
Another way to make your home a more wellness-centered space is by eliminating sources of blue light during the evening hours. According to Ben Spielberg, who is a neuroscientist and CEO of TMS & Brain Health, this is because it inhibits the production of melatonin. “Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, and is responsible for telling the body when to go to sleep”, he says. “Blue light can mimic the wavelengths of natural light, which interferes with the body’s melatonin release and ultimately can lead to insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. By avoiding and/or suppressing blue light, the pineal gland is able to secrete healthy amounts of melatonin undeterred, leading to a healthy full night’s rest.”
There are countless sources of blue light we all have in our homes including screens, light bulbs, and small appliances. While you can’t eliminate all exposure, there are ways to reduce it. Get rid of LED and florescent bulbs and swap them out for red bulbs. If red bulbs aren’t aesthetically appealing, an amber light such as the Hoogalite Bulb is a better option.
You can also wear blue light blocking glasses at night. While this can be a burden to those already wearing prescription glasses, it doesn’t have to be. Lensabl recently launched prescription blue light blocking lenses, which can be put into frames you already own (they send a pre-paid box) or into the frames they currently offer.
But, it’s important to keep in mind that blue light exposure during the day can be beneficial for your health. Installing the Brilli One-Touch LED Vanity Mirror in your bathroom is an easy way to expose yourself to blue light in the morning. This helps to produce serotonin, boost mood, energy and improve your overall sense of wellbeing, which is exactly how you want to feel going into a new decade.