How-To: Beat Your Resolution Perfectionism in 2020

Instead of stressing about having our lives planned in time for the beginning of the new year, we’re going to go ahead and call January a “transition month”. Some people like to have the next 12 months coordinated to a tee, others take time to thoughtfully schedule their weeks, and some simply welcome a brand new 365 days with restorative yoga and a mug of hot chocolate. We’d like to say we’re somewhere in between, (or try to be).

Resolution perfectionism is real. Yes, pledging to live a healthier lifestyle or giving up a negative habit can have a positive effect on your lifestyle in the long term, but attempting to execute a plan of attack can create more stress in addition to making the change. In fact, the third through eighth week after a change can be the most stressful, as motivation wanes and self-doubt arises.

Photo: We Heart It

With that in mind, let’s make the passage into 2020 as smooth as it’s ever been and welcome it with ease instead of nail-biting tension. Whatever path you take this month, know that your energy is always shifting and that the universe is guiding you to what is truly meant for you. Keep reading to discover three effortless rituals that will restore your body, rejuvenate your soul, and help you be kinder to yourself.

1. Lemon water and light movements: As soon as you wake in the morning, drink a glass of warm water with lemon to get your system going. Then take five to 10 minutes to do some light stretching. Touch your toes, do a sun salutation, or jump up and down. Move in whatever way feels right for your body. Try doing all of this before you check your phone or turn on any lights.
2. Go outside: Walk to work, go for a jaunt around the block on your lunch break, or take the dog for a stroll midday. Spend some time away from all the electronic frequencies filling your office space, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up all the Vitamin D you can.
3. Meditate and sleep: Take five minutes before bed to think about all the good things that happened during your day. Next, take 20 slow and steady breaths to bring your body into a state of relaxation, assisting you in the transition to sleep mode.