It’s official, our planet has made another full circle around the sun and the new year has begun. The new year provides a time for people to set goals that they want to pursue in order to better themselves. Although this is a wonderful thing, it can be difficult to stick to these resolutions for a whole year.
One thing I learned when I got sober was to take things day by day. I was taught that each day provides me with the opportunity to do better than the day before. This mindset is much less overwhelming than setting a goal to exercise for one hour each day all year long. My goal for the new year is to incorporate more healthy habits into my morning routine one day at a time and I’d like to share those with you.
Walking
Many of us have busy lives. When I wake up in the morning, I find myself hurried with all of the things I need to do that day. However, the mornings that I wake up fifteen minutes earlier and take a short walk to start my day, I feel more refreshed and focused. Walking is not only a form of mindful meditation for me, but it is a way to incorporate a little exercise into the business of my life.
Walking regularly can curb cravings for sweets, which is especially important in sobriety. It is common for people in recovery to crave sweets because sugar filled foods release dopamine in the brain, producing some of the same effects that drugs do. This can result in unwanted weight gain. In addition, walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer, relieve joint pain, and boost immune functions, all of which are important when living a healthy lifestyle.
Breakfast
Another healthy habit that I generally push to the wayside is eating a balanced breakfast. In the past I have found myself shoving a granola bar in my mouth while driving to work, then finding myself hungry a couple hours into the work day.
Eating a balanced breakfast doesn’t have to be time consuming. A healthy breakfast is simple, such as some fresh fruit paired with low-fat yogurt and a handful of nuts. This kind of meal provides carbs to boost your energy levels as well as protein to help sustain hunger until it is time for your next meal. Individuals who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat later in the day and are more likely to feel energized and motivated throughout the day.
Gratitude
Aside from becoming healthier physically, I want to get healthier emotionally as well. Another thing I want to focus on in the new year is maintaining a grateful attitude.
Sometimes it can be hard to focus on the good things we have when disaster strikes, such as the loss of a loved one, a pay cut at work, or a chronic illness. Even when all aspects of life are proving to be difficult, there are always things to be grateful for. This can be your family, pets, a safe place to sleep, or even little things such as the sun shining outside or a smile you received from a person at the grocery store. Try keeping a small journal by your bedside and listing 5 things you are grateful for each morning. Be sure to pay attention to how this changes your attitude! You may be surprised at what a little gratitude can do.
Goals
When I was early in recovery, I frequently questioned my purpose in life. It was suggested to me to set a small goal each morning that I wanted to accomplish that day. Once I began to achieve small goals, I felt more confident and useful.
Individuals who set small daily goals tend to have a more motivated and positive attitude. Goals help set a purpose for each day, resulting in motivation to better oneself and something to look forward to. These goals can be something as simple as giving a compliment to a co-worker who you usually don’t speak to or something more important such as meeting a deadline. Everyone has a purpose, and setting daily goals is a great way for you to achieve yours!
Author Bio
Cassidy Webb is an avid writer from South Florida. She works with organisations like JourneyPure to spread awareness around the disease of addiction.
Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.
