Happy (almost) 2024! It's hard to believe that just a year ago we were sharing 7 New Year's Resolutions for 2023. Well now we're back with even more ways to live your best life in the coming year! Because who doesn't want to pursue self-improvement and live a happier, healthier life?
If you still haven't selected your New Year's resolution, read on for some helpful ideas. Or you can check out last year's blog post and choose something from there!
Reduce Stress. This one goes out to stressed lawyers everywhere. Chronic stress can have all sorts of negative effects on our bodies and minds. It breaks down the immune system, increases your blood pressure, and puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. If you constantly suffer from the effects of stress, as many lawyers do, check out this past blog post to help you recognize symptoms of burnout.
If stress and burnout are familiar to you, it's time to turn over a new leaf. As the stigma around poor mental health falls away with each passing year, more and more people are learning to prioritize it. Make 2024 the year you take action to reduce your stress.
Not sure where to start? Here's a past blog on stress management for overachievers and here are 9 techniques for stress reduction.
Walk More. Getting more exercise is always a big one, and usually everyone's first pick for a New Year's resolution, but not everyone has the time or money for daily trips to the gym. You know what is accessible and free? Going for a walk. The number of health benefits that come from a simple walk may surprise you.
Walking can promote weight loss, improve endurance, increase muscle strength, reduce your risk of heart disease, and more. Aim to walk at least 30 minutes each day in order to achieve these health benefits. It is also advised to walk somewhat briskly in order to get the heart pumping and blood flowing.
You can make it fun, too! Walk with a family member, a friend, your dog, or even a social club if there's one in your area. Set goals or a destination before setting off. Your phone or a Fitbit can easily track your steps so that you can challenge yourself day by day. Crank up your favorite tunes or bust out your favorite fitness app. Or put away your technology to simply enjoy the peace of nature and take the time to notice the little things. Do whatever makes you happiest.
Eliminate Toxicity. "Toxic" was Oxford Dictionaries' words of the year way back in 2018 and it's still highly used today. Ridding your life of toxicity has become a major movement that has appeared alongside prioritizing your mental health. You could be stuck in a toxic workplace or relationship that is draining you of happiness. Or you yourself could be the toxic one, stuck in a loop of negative thoughts.
Negativity only serves to drag you down. Take steps to identify the pain points of your life and cut them loose. "Easier said than done," you might be thinking. Even if you can't cause major waves, you can still spark a change that starts within you. Start by thinking more positively about yourself. Learn to release your anger and resentment. It's reasonable to feel negative emotions, but there is nothing to be gained by holding onto them forever. Learn to let go and cultivate gratitude and positivity within yourself. This can serve as the first and most important step in the journey to purge toxicity from your life.
Spend Smart. Last year, we suggested spending less--but instead, what if you started spending smarter? Ask yourself whether you really need something before you go to buy. Make wiser investments. Do your homework when it comes to finding the best deal on a product.
Speaking of the best deals, this is your sign to get PBI's ProPass! For one low price, you unlock 12 months of unlimited CLE and PA's biggest online selection of courses. It's a fantastic offer if you choose to go the extra mile when it comes to your CLE. Check it out here and make unlimited, quality CLE part of your 2024 resolution!
Travel More. There's a whole wide world out there. Exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, or simply stepping away from work for a while can give you amazing new perspective. Of course, travel is more expensive than ever. It can also be intimidating if this is a first-time venture for you. The best thing to do is to set your intention, do plenty of research on your destination, and eventually commit to the leap. Hopefully, if all goes well, you'll come away from your travel with good memories and a sense of refreshment!
Practice Empathy. The world could always use a little bit more kindness. When you're stuck behind a screen, constantly bombarded by bad news and shocking headlines, it can be easy to feel your empathy drain away as a form of self-defense. Some days, you just don't have enough energy to care. Closing yourself off is the easier thing to do.
Challenge yourself by opening up and practicing empathy. Nurture a curiosity for how others might feel, even those you do not know. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself what you have in common. Listen to others with an open heart and an open mind.
It doesn't take great bounds to make the world a better place. You can do so in small, simple actions. Maybe you leave a note for your neighbor complimenting their garden. Maybe you decide to pay it forward one day when you're in the drive-through. Or you can show kindness to animals by planting flowers or putting up a bird feeder. And if a compliment for someone crosses your mind, don't keep it to yourself; share it with them! There are so many little acts of kindness we can extend to others to put a smile on their face and make their day (and the world) a little brighter.
Make Time for Your Loved Ones. It's said that you will never lie on your deathbed wishing you spent more time at the office. Our loved ones are what bring us true peace and joy in this life. Be sure you're making time for important events and milestones in your lives. Eat together, have movie nights, or try new experiences together whether it be a sport, a painting class, or cooking a new recipe. Put away the phones and tablets to give the conversation and experience your full attention.
It's easy to take your loved ones for granted when you get caught in the daily grind of life. It's up to you bring about real change and to make 2024 a special year.
That's a wrap! We hope you had a fantastic 2023 full of personal success and quality CLE. We also hope you enjoyed reading our many Raising the Bar blog posts and learned something new. Best wishes for a wonderful 2024! Happy New Year from PBI!
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