5 Ways to Set Lasting Wellbeing Resolutions

The new year is finally here and the familiar rush to set wellbeing resolutions has once again returned. Yet, with the uncertainty of the last years, resolutions have started to feel like a chore, an annual tradition without meaning. Everyone knows the feeling of creating lofty goals, only to experience a burnout by the end of the month.

Though it may be tempting to skip out on the entire process altogether, resolution making doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Instead, I’ve found it to be more beneficial to rethink how I make my resolutions. This way, I can still experience the mood-boosting positivity goal-setting gives me, without overwhelming my plate.

To help you kick-start the process, I’ve proposed my favorite ways to help wellbeing resolutions last, all year long.

When you're first brainstorming new resolutions, think about what feels important for you. Your time is precious, so choose something that you actually want to dedicate yourself to. Take a moment to listen to what you really want, before setting outlandish expectations that will have you feeling defeated from the beginning.

Being realistic will help you in the long-run. So, if you’re not an early riser and like it that way, then scheduling Pilates at six in the morning isn’t for you. You know your schedule better than anyone else, so ask yourself how much you’re willing to adapt.

Another tip? Ease into it. If you have a big goal, try sectioning it into shorter-term goals that you can work towards incrementally. If you want to wake up an hour or two earlier, adjust your alarm clock by 15 minutes every day or every week.

Remember, sleep schedules are largely based on our own circadian rhythms, so it’s normal for everyone’s adjustment period to differ. If you’re still feeling sleepy after a week, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The crucial thing is to not lose sight of your goal and take baby steps, even if you can’t see progress right away. 

Once you’ve set your goals, fuel action in pockets of free time. If your resolution is to be active but can’t dedicate hours to it at a time, commit to a brisk walk a couple of times a week or consider high-intensity exercise for a less time-consuming routine.

Getting activewear that actually makes you feel good is also a worthy investment to spur motivation and keep your regime going strong. Chimi Active’s lightweight sunglasses have become one of my personal favorite accessories to sport while I’m working out outside. Not only do they keep the sun out of my eyes and keep me feeling good, but their rubber nose grips and a detachable cord frees me from the annoying task of adjusting my sunglasses every time I break a sweat.

The included running pouch is also a must-have, and I’ve found it to be the perfect size for my keys and phone.

Keeping track of how far you’ve come is important. Consider investing in a smartwatch, downloading a fitness app, or keep a journal of your achievements. Seeing physical evidence of how hard you’ve worked will fuel your commitment, especially during more unmotivated days.

Pump the energy up with songs that uplift your mood. I asked my colleagues for some of the tracks that keep them feeling upbeat. These are some of our personal favorites, but keep the inspiration going by creating your own, too.

Celebrating our wins helps us appreciate our progress and cultivate a sense of achievement. And I mean small-term wins too. When you’ve ticked off a goal, dedicate time for yourself by watching a new film, eating something that you love, or even taking a calming bath.

Celebrations don’t always have to be physical rewards either. You can also acknowledge your successes by reflecting in your journal or sharing your progress with a friend. Whatever you choose, it’s always a good idea to remember how much you’ve achieved, trusting the process along the way.