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When it comes to preparing for a successful new year, there is no such thing as too early or too late. Here are 11 habits you can start before the new year for a smooth and graceful transition into 2024.
I don’t remember diving into any of my past new years without some major goals and resolutions.
From mapping out the entire course of the year on a vision board to starting a new journal on the 1st of January, I’ve done it all.
But have any of those resolutions ever changed my life the way I hoped they would?
Um, no, and not because they’re not savvy enough, but mainly because I fail to stick to my own larger-than-life expectations and end up ditching my goals somewhere around mid-February.
If you can relate, let me assure you that you are not to be blamed for this.
I mean, is it really fair to expect yourself to start a dozen new habits on day 1, and stick to all of them for the rest of the year?
Habit-building takes time, which is why this year, you might want to launch your self-improvement plan for 2024 well in advance.
I’ve already started tweaking my daily routine to make space for some good habits so that my New Year resolutions don’t overwhelm me.
For those of you who believe in slow and mindful habit-building, this post is going to serve as a golden inspiration for setting yourself up for an amazing year.
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If you like the idea of being brand new before the new year comes knocking, read on.
11 Good Habits To Start Before New Year
1. Start Waking Up Just A Bit Earlier
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to develop an early morning routine.
But you first need to ease into the habit of waking up earlier. As I’ve already said, gradual changes are more sustainable than drastic shifts.
Adjust your wake-up time by 15 to 30 minutes earlier than your current schedule.
Ensure you have a compelling reason to rise early, whether it’s to make time for exercise, personal reflection, or a productive morning routine.
To make waking up easier, establish an evening routine that includes winding down, reducing screen time, and setting out what you’ll need for the next day.
Lastly, stick to a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends, as this helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
Might help: How To Become A Morning Person And Love It (10 Simple Ways)
2. Create A Daily To-Do List
To build yourself up to a super organized state of the new year, start creating to-do lists.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to plan your day and reduce the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
You’ll be able to prioritize your tasks efficiently and stay on top of your goals, which will further help you stay on course with your aspirations for the year ahead.
To establish this habit, designate a specific time each day, preferably in the morning or evening, to create your to-do list for the coming day.
Utilize digital apps or traditional pen-and-paper methods based on your preference. Start small and gradually expand the list’s complexity as the habit solidifies.
By consistently creating to-do lists, you’ll enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and gain more control over your daily life, setting the stage for a more organized and successful New Year.
3. Read One Chapter Of A Book
It’s no secret that reading is a habit for the wise and creative souls on earth.
A powerful self-help book can completely change your life, while a well-written fantasy could give you a thrilling escape from the noisy world.
Start reading just one chapter of a book every day, and when the New Year comes, you’ll be able to set reading goals and keep up with this therapeutic habit.
Designate a specific time for reading each day, whether it’s in the morning, during breaks, or before bedtime.
Choose books that align with your interests and goals and gradually start reading more as your habit strengthens.
Eliminate distractions during your reading time, and consider joining a book club or online reading community for added motivation.
By reading daily, you’ll embark on a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement, making the approaching New Year a time of intellectual growth and personal enrichment.
Here are some non-fiction book recommendations from my favorite reads of 2023:
- The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
- The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard
- The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
For all the fantasy-loving souls out there:
- Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
- Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
- The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden
4. Write In Your Journal Once A Week
Journaling provides an opportunity for self-reflection, emotional processing, and goal setting.
It is one of the most popular habits that people all over the world start at New Year.
But again, it’s also one of the most ditched habits, simply because people aren’t used to writing in the first place.
You can make yourself fall in love with journaling by creating an entry at least once a week before New Year comes.
Recording your thoughts, experiences, and desires will deepen your understanding of life and yourself.
You’ll also be able to set mindful goals for the new year that are in better alignment with your true self.
Choose a journaling style that resonates with you, whether it’s freeform writing, gratitude journaling, or goal tracking.
Keep your journaling session focused and free from distractions, allowing your thoughts to flow naturally.
Use journal prompts and themes that can guide your entries and help you explore different aspects of your life.
Building a habit of weekly journaling will lead to increased self-awareness, personal growth, and a profound sense of connection with yourself as you approach the New Year.
5. 10 Minutes Of Daily Meditation
If there was ever a way to rise above life’s hurdles and embrace your most peaceful self, it would be meditation.
I’ve been doing 10 minutes of meditation for the past month, and it’s been extremely helpful for overriding my excessive worrying tendencies and being more positive with my thoughts.
By incorporating daily meditation into your routine before the New Year, you’ll set a foundation for increased mindfulness, inner peace, and emotional balance in your life.
Find a quiet and comfortable spot, preferably at the same time each day, to sit and meditate.
Start with short sessions to make it manageable, gradually extending the duration as you become more accustomed to the practice.
Focus on your breath, a mantra, or a guided meditation to help calm your mind. Use meditation apps or online resources to explore different techniques and find what works best for you.
Recommended post: 21 Habits For Mental Health And Ultimate Happiness
6. Start Exercising
It can be tempting to remain inactive till New Year and then sign up for a gym membership on 1st of January, but do you think you’ll be able to sustain your fitness resolutions this way?
Your body needs time to adjust to workouts. You’ll be more likely to succeed with your new year fitness plan if you’re already regular with your exercises.
Before New Year, commit to a consistent exercise routine that you enjoy. It could be yoga, HIIT, sports, strength training (my current obsession), or long walks in nature.
Create a workout schedule and stick to it by prioritizing your exercise sessions, just as you would with some important appointments.
You can ask a friend to join in to act as your workout buddy. Me and my friend took the Chloe Ting Summer Shred Challenge together this year and had an absolute blast.
Remember to start slow and simple before gradually increasing your exercise durations.
Even 30 minutes of exercise thrice a week will be good to step into the New Year as a healthier you.
7. Use Daily Affirmations To Stay Positive
Affirmations are positive statements that, when repeated regularly, can help rewire your thoughts, boost self-confidence, and increase self-belief.
For instance, check out these simple affirmations:
- I am strong.
- I am loved.
- I am deserving and worthy.
Read more: 121 Positive Affirmations For Mental Strength To Make You Fearless
These are simply-constructed sentences, but they can help you reaffirm some powerful truths in life.
Use daily affirmations to feed yourself positivity and build yourself up before the New Year.
You can write down your affirmations or recite them aloud in the morning or before doing any significant tasks or challenges.
It’s essential to believe in the affirmations you choose, as genuine belief strengthens their impact.
As you consistently incorporate daily affirmations into your routine, you’ll find yourself approaching the New Year with a more positive outlook, increased self-assurance, and a greater sense of purpose.
8. Track Your Meals
Many of you must be looking forward to improving your food habits in the coming year.
You can take the first step toward mindful eating by starting a habit of meal-tracking.
Use a fitness app or a food journal to note down what you eat in a day.
Observe your eating patterns, and make a note of the circ*mstances and emotions that cause you to overindulge.
Set achievable goals for your diet, like incorporating more fruits and vegetables or reducing sugar intake, and use your meal-tracking habit as a tool to monitor your diet progress.
Also, aim to increase your water intake and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
As the New Year approaches, you’ll not only have a clearer picture of your eating habits but also be better equipped to make positive changes for a healthier and happier you.
9. Digital Detox For 30 Minutes A Day
I know I have a real problem at hand when it’s hard to go without something even for 30 minutes, and the use of digital devices is one such thing.
Constant connectivity to screens can lead to stress and kill your productivity.
Unlike some mindful forms of breaks (like reading), digital screens create an unhealthy sense of disconnection from the real world.
By dedicating half an hour each day to unplug and disconnect from digital devices, you can regain control over your time and attention.
Use these 30 minutes to engage in screen-free activities such as reading a paperback, going for a walk, or indulging in a hobby.
Set your devices on silent or leave them in another room to resist the urge to check them.
These few minutes of being away from your digital devices will help you recharge and foster a deeper connection to the world around you.
You’ll welcome the New Year with a refreshed perspective and a healthier relationship with technology.
You might like: 8 Things You Need To Do For A Mental Detox
10. Do A Self-Care Ritual Before Going To Bed
A nighttime self-care routine helps you unwind, relax, and prepare for restorative sleep, ultimately contributing to improved overall health.
It’s an opportunity to release the day’s stresses and take time for yourself, promoting better sleep quality and mental clarity the next day.
You can make a resolution to stick to a consistent bedtime routine in the new year, but till then, make yourself indulge in just one self-care ritual before turning out the lights.
Take a relaxing bath, indulge in a hobby, or do some gentle stretches while listening to soft music. Sip some herbal tea for relaxation, and light some scented candles for pleasant vibes.
And hey, if you feel inspired to add more than one ritual on some nights, don’t hold back. There’s no such thing as too much self-care.
Prioritize your nightly self-care as a non-negotiable part of your evening routine, and by the time New Year rolls around, you’ll know a thing or two about practicing self-care for your well-being.
11. Organize Something Everyday
Clutter and disorganization can lead to stress and a sense of chaos, hindering productivity and peace of mind.
When it comes to staying organized at all times, consistency is the key.
By committing to daily organization, you not only create a more functional and harmonious environment but also foster a sense of control and accomplishment.
This will also take some load off of your major cleaning and organizing days, as there won’t be much to do. You won’t have to spend your holidays fretting over dusty racks or chaotic shelves.
Do some organizing every day, whether it’s decluttering a shelf, sorting through emails, or organizing a workspace.
Incorporate this practice into your daily routine, and you’ll become a more organized and put-together version of yourself, which will make it easier for you to commit to your organizing goals for the New Year.
Check out: 14 Best Fall Organizing Tips To Gear Up For The New Season
Set The Grounds For A Healthy New Year
Developing good habits before the New Year is like laying a solid groundwork for your future vision.
You’ll be more likely to succeed with your resolutions if you are already in a good zone in your everyday life.
Use these 11 habits to beautify your routine, and enter the coming new chapter of your life as a happier and healthier version of yourself.
Read next: 21 Winter Self-Care Ideas To Make Your Days Cozy
What are your views on kickstarting your new year habits in advance? Drop your response in the comment box. I’d love to know your new year plans.
