Say goodbye to holiday anxiety, and hello to holiday joy!

How to Improve Your Overall Well-Being in 2018

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With the end of another year comes reflection, and for many, there’s always the question of whether we’re living our best lives or not. That means different things for different people, but in general, it comes down to your overall well-being. Are you stressed often, or do you suffer from anxiety? Do you find yourself exhausted much of the time and unable to find joy in the small things because you’re so tired?

 

It’s easy to fall into habits that leave you feeling this way, especially if you have work, school, a family, and other responsibilities to worry about. Some of those habits are otherwise harmless, such as keeping a full schedule, but when combined with other stressors, they can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to perform to the best of your ability. It’s time to think about the best ways you can eliminate bad habits and figure out how to successfully stay on track with your goals for the new year, as well as how to sustain them. Read on to find out how.

Get enough rest

For some, getting older means not having as much energy or being tired much of the time. However, recent studies have shown that many Americans are complaining of exhaustion and fatigue across several age groups, and those same studies are comparing those complaints against social media use and stress. While social media can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones, it may cause anxiety and worsen symptoms of depression simply because it’s a constant source of news—both bad and good. In 2018, getting enough rest doesn’t just mean staying on a good sleep schedule; it also means allowing your mind to rest by giving it a break from the screen. Get outside when the weather is nice or read a book, and refrain from constantly checking in online.

 

Eliminate stress

While it’s not always as easy as it sounds, getting rid of stress can significantly change your outlook and allow you to be the best version of yourself. Start small by setting aside a room in your home without electronic distractions for your creative pursuits. Buy a comfortable chair, some paintings of nature, and other relaxing decor to inspire less stress. Then, work your way up to the things you know cause you stress or anxiety and change them. Whether it’s work-related or having to do with family issues, taking control will help boost your self-confidence and give you peace of mind. Ready to get started? Check out these helpful tips from Redfin on how to make your home the perfect environment for your well-being.

 

Try something new

Your well-being has many facets, and trying new things can help you discover joyful interests you never even knew you had. Always wanted to learn how to paint? Take a class with a friend or check out some tutorials online. Learn a new language with an app like Duolingo or HelloTalk. Get creative and don’t be afraid! Branching out and broadening your horizons isn’t restricted to a particular age.

 

Find gratitude

It’s easy to become overwhelmed in an increasingly chaotic world, so take a little time each day to find gratitude. Make it a point to look at your life with new eyes and be thankful for the opportunities you have, which can help you focus on the positive and sustain any changes you want to make.

 

Your well-being depends on you and your willingness to make change happen. Be patient with yourself as you forge new paths in 2018, and look for simple ways you can make a difference in how you feel. Garner support from friends and family, who can help you along the way, and remind yourself that feeling better will allow you to touch the lives of those you love in a more positive way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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