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The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect and reset some of the habits that you may have been struggling with. While traditional resolutions may be hard to keep because many of them are proclaimed as absolutes, goal setting and focusing on making changes to our habits over a period of time is a lot more reasonable (and easier to maintain).

They say it takes 20 days to form a habit, so if you’re ready to switch up how you do things, here are 5 healthy habits to bring into the new year that anyone can do.

Healthy Habits New Year

Move Your Body
While working out more is a habit that many people try to pick up at the start of the new year, it can be a struggle to maintain because we go overboard out the gate. We try to make going to the gym 5 days a week for hours at a time a thing, when it’s honestly not realistic for most people’s schedules or lifestyles. An easier approach is to focus on (intentionally) moving your body at least 30 minutes a few days a week. If you have time to go to the gym, AWESOME! If not, try going for a walk around your neighborhood after work or on your lunch break, or even having a solo dance party in your living room when you wake up. Whatever you want to do, just do enough to get your heart rate up and pumping!

Up Your Water Intake
Not everyone loves water, but staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy and feeling good. So many ailments stem from being dehydrated (fatigue, headaches, hunger, dry skin, etc.), so getting enough water daily is imperative to having good health. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to drink more water, try having a glass in the morning before that first sip of coffee, and also add more foods that are water-rich to your diet (watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, bell peppers and celery are just a few).

Healthy Habits New Year

Schedule Quality Time With Friends
Everyone is busy and wrapped up in our own little words, but it’s good to take time here and there and spend some quality time with close friends. Whether it’s a full blown meet-up for drinks and dinner, or a quick break to get your nails done, try to schedule in some dedicated quality time with those that you hold close to your heart. Your soul needs it.

Healthy Habits New Year

Limit Your Screen Time
It’s pretty amazing how much you can get accomplished when you limit how much you scroll. Being online is such a big part of our lives, but it can get in the way of relationships, work, and even affect our mental health when we spend too much time consuming data and content. Even if it’s only 30 minutes a day, try to pull back from being glued to your phone. Replace that time with reading a book, playing a game, going outside, or just having a conversation with someone without being distracted.

Get More Sleep
FOMO is real, so staying up late because we unconsciously think we might miss something is a habit that so many of us have. In return, however, many of us are also walking around drained and perpetually tired. 7+ hours of sleep a day is recommended for adults, so if you haven’t been getting that, nows the time to change that habit. 1-2 hours before bedtime, put down all phones and computer, stretch or meditate, and prepare yourself for bed. Some people like to shower and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea as well. It may take a moment to get used to this night routine, but after awhile, your body will adjust and you should be getting more sleep in no time.

Developing an overall healthier lifestyle is a journey and takes time, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right all of the time. Every day is a new day, so take your time and ease into it. Your health will thank you for it!

In need of new workout fits? Stop by Athleta in Saddle Creek to get the looks that Laura and Caitlin are wearing!

It’s hard to believe but we are a little over 6 weeks away from the first official day of Fall! It feels like Summer just arrived, but we’re already heading back to school and taking those last-minute Summer trips. You don’t have to let go of the carefreeness that Summer holds just yet, however, because we still have plenty of sunshine and warm days ahead of us. Instead of losing that Summer vibe, I wanted to share a few ways to help you hold on to those Summer feels a little bit longer!

Take a weekend trip to a lake
While it may be difficult (and expensive!) to try and plan an elaborate trip now that school is back in session, that doesn’t mean that you have to stop traveling completely. Look to see if there are any lakes that are are only 1-3 hours away from you via car and take a quick road trip with your fam or friends. It can be an easy day trip where you just sun bathe for the day, or make it a weekender and actually go camping or relax by the lake for a few days to get the last of those Summer sun rays. Travel doesn’t have to be this crazy wild thing, and when done on the weekends, it’s an easy way to feel refreshed when you need it.

Handbags and AccessoriesWeekender Bag, Southern Avenue Company

Keep those Summer activities going at home
If you love to break out the grill, that doesn’t mean that you have to put it away just yet! Keep the Summer fun going by grilling hot dogs and veggies on Saturday afternoon, and then switch to S’mores that night while pretending you’re at a camp ground-you could even grab your sleeping bags and sleep under the stars while you pretend to be somewhere else! Set the sprinklers out in the backyard or get a kiddie pool for the kids if you don’t have access to a pool, and then play a few family games while you’re at it. It may feel a little cheesy, but it’ll be loads of fun for everyone involved and help you stay cool.

Keep wearing those bright colors
Just because Summer is leaving doesn’t mean you need to pack up all of your fun tropical prints or bright clothes! There are certain colors that just FEEL like Summer (all white, bright oranges, blues, pinks, yellows), so keep wearing them until the weather actually starts to change and you need to wear clothing that’s a little bit warmer and more seasonally-appropriate.

Handbags and AccessoriesSoHo Large Studded Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag, Michael Michael Kors

Have your own Summer series at the park
Live music events are one of the best things to do during the Summer, and you can easily recreate the moments with your own fun playlist at the park! Pick a musical theme for your playlist, and then grab a few blankets, a cooler and snacks and head to the park (or even your own backyard if you want to be more private) and relive the moments of dancing outside to some of your favorite tunes. If you live in Memphis, Shelby Farms or Overton Park are fantastic for this!

Handbags and Accessories-20Endless Summer Straw Tote, Southern Avenue Company

Summertime sadness doesn’t have to set in just because the season is coming to an end. With a little bit of creativity, you can keep the Summer vibes going well into the Fall!

 

All products featured are available at retailers at The Shops of Saddle Creek!