5 Ways to Spend New Year’s Day
That aren’t nursing a hangover
Happy New Year! How are you spending New Year’s Day? Believe me when I say I have spent many a New Year’s Day nursing my hangover and (maybe) feeling a little sorry for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I really wouldn’t trade those New Year’s Eves on the town for anything. But as I get older, I find I want to spend the first day of the new year in a way that brings me happiness! Here are five ideas on how to spend the day:
Sunrise Hike
This is my favorite idea and the one I’ve been doing the past few years! My friends and I wake up hella early (3am – the time most people are probably falling asleep) and go to one of our favorite hiking spots. It also happens to be the tallest peak in South Dakota. It’s not the easiest hike, but the accomplishment felt after only a few hours of the new year is amazing. Not to mention the breathtaking views. Even if it’s not a sunrise hike, I highly recommend a New Year’s Day hike.
Get a start on your resolution
Studies show that less than 8% of people actually stick to their resolution. While I don’t necessarily advocate for sweeping resolutions for a new year (I’m more of a list girl myself), I do advocate for sticking to your goals! If you want to exercise more, eat healthy, or get organized – start today! I know I’ve been there, I say I’m going to eat healthier this year then New Year’s Day comes and I think well, I’ll just start on Monday! And then do I ever really start? Probably not. Whatever your resolution is, take one step towards it today.
Host Brunch
Almost every year some sort of building connection item is on my goal list. Hosting brunch is a great way to kick off the year with the people you love the most! Whether that is your quarantine circle, family, friends, or neighbors; it’s a great way to start building connections into the new year. There’s something about food that brings people together. One of my favorites for a crowd is an Egg Bake (peep this delicious recipe). You can even prep everything the day before and pop it in the oven in the morning. You could definitely order in too! Or make it a pot luck! Anything goes, just enjoy the time together.
Meditate on the year to come
What do you want to do more of this year? What do you want to do less of? Something I find helpful is to envision the person I want to be. What does she wear? What does she do for a living? Where does she live? What does she do in her free time? Who are her friends? What books does she read? Really think about your ideal life. Write all of these things down. In detail. Then, take a look at your current life and see where you are. What steps can you take to create your ideal life? Start small and grow. You can really do this any time and day you want, but the New Year could be a good catalyst to get your mind thinking!
You won’t wake up tomorrow and change every little thing about your life, but you can make a plan. Make baby steps. Check in with yourself, how do you really feel about your life? You can change things you don’t like! You can! People do it everyday. People are living their ideal lives and you can do it too. New Year’s Day is a great day to start
Slow Down
As much as some of us need to get going, some of us need to slow down. Americans lead busy lives and a lot of times are proud of that. Busy shouldn’t be a requirement for adults. You can be accomplished and successful and a good person and still not be “busy.” Take this New Year’s Day off work to slow down and relax. Whatever that means to you. Take some time to yourself to read, walk, take a bath, go to yoga, binge your favorite TV show – whatever. Self care is such an important part of living a healthy life, please take time for yourself. You can’t fill from an empty cup.
So how do you spend your New Year’s Day? Do you find it an arbitrary date and spend it how you do every other day? Or do you embrace the newness? I love the idea of fresh starts and new goals, but you can make a fresh start any day or moment you want. I’d love to hear how you’re spending your New Year’s Day!
Much love,
Justina