I’m all about self-development and setting small goals in order to achieve larger ones, even my subscription box was developed practicing these techniques.
By setting 30-day mini-goals, I’ve created a way to challenge myself, create new habits, and try things I’ve always wanted to do, but felt there weren’t enough hours in the day to complete. The process helped me figure out what’s actually important for me to do regularly in order to stay sane.
I rounded up the goals I set for myself over the past 6 months that helped nourish my entire being. Whether you want to start setting monthly goals or stick to one goal at a time, this list is sure to give you some ideas if you’re wondering what to start working on next!
Even if you’re not into the whole goal thing, you’ll find some tips and ideas to keep you healthy and improve your well-being.
GOALS TO NOURISH YOUR MIND
Stay offline one day per week. Take one day of the week (I chose Sunday) to stay completely offline and away from your computer.
Meditate every morning. Meditation can be intimidating and some people think it will be a little too hippie-ish for them, but even taking five minutes out of your day to sit and do nothing can really help improve your mood.
Journal every day. If I’m having one of those days where my brain just won’t shut off, I’ve found writing in a journal to be very relaxing. It also helps you find clarity in difficult situations and puts you more in tune with what’s really going on. Even though you may not think you have anything to write, you’d be surprised what happens once you actually open up a notebook with pen or pencil in hand. I am searching for the perfect journal to include in a box this fall, so stay tuned.
Get up when your alarm goes off. I was guilty of snoozing every time my alarm went off in the morning. It was such a bad habit that my kids began doing it. So I challenged my entire household to get up right away. Even though you may want that extra bit of time in bed, you’ll feel less groggy if you just get up.
Limit screen time after work. Most of us stare at screens all day, and then we come home and stare at screens some more. Try switching it up and get the most out of your free time by relaxing after work (this excludes television, of course).
Start a gratitude jar. Before bed, write down everything you’re grateful for that happened that day. You’ll start to find joy in the little things and be more appreciative despite any challenges you might be facing. Sometime during the last week of December, find time to read and reflect on every piece of paper in the jar and the positive things that happened throughout the year before embarking on a new one.
Have a ‘me’ day. Some people might not think this is big deal or anything to work towards, but you'd be surprised by the number of people who neglect themselves. So, schedule a spa day or pamper day at home, book yourself a hotel room or send the kids to their grandparents and indulge in eating what YOU want and watching what YOU want on television even if it’s for a few hours (if you are a parent, you totally get this). For single moms like myself, find another single mom you trust and swap 4-6 hour increments or sleepover nights, so each of you can have 'me' time to regroup and revive. Regardless of what you come up with, honey treat yo self!
GOALS TO NOURISH YOUR BODY
We all know how important exercise is, but finding the motivation and time to actually do it is another story. If you break this large goal into small increments, you’ll find it much easier to find something you enjoy and fits into your lifestyle and stick with it.
Take a walk after lunch or dinner. Going for a walk after eating really helps to reset your brain, let your food digest, and get a nice healthy dose of fresh air before returning back to your desk or life chores.
Drink tea instead of coffee/soda. Cutting out sodas has been a resolution of mine since 2001. There are so many reasons it’s not good for you, but the feel of the carbonation in my throat is addicting. I stopped drinking soda for 16 days and lost two inches off my waist (whoot! whoot!). Although I will indulge from time to time, I have cut back tremendously. I drink 3 swallows from a can or bottle then pour the rest down the drain so there's no turning back, or ask my server to take it away from the table and 3 (very long) sips from a straw. The sips may be long, but it satisfies the quince and is better than having multiple refills and departing with a to go cup.
Squeeze in 10 minutes of exercise per day. If you lack the motivation or time to squeeze in gym time, tell yourself you only have to work out for 10 minutes. That way, you’re more likely to just get started because it doesn’t seem like a huge commitment, and more than likely you will end up working out longer than 10 minutes.
Try meal prepping. If you’re tired of having nothing to eat or spending all of your money on fast food, try setting yourself a goal to meal prep each week for a month. It’ll save you a whole bunch of time, and you’re much more likely to make healthy choices. I trained myself to prepare meals as I do laundry each week and it has self consciously become a part of my weekend routine.
Drink more water. There are so many benefits to drinking water aside from the fact that your body needs it to survive. Staying hydrated keeps your brain alert and makes your skin glow. Keep a water bottle with you at all times for a month, and see how much better you feel from all of that goodness.
30-day squat challenge. Want to work on your buns and get a Beyoncé booty? Try this 30-day squat challenge from PopSugar!
Try a new form of exercise. If you’re really struggling to exercise regularly, maybe you need to try a new kind of exercise. There’s a whole world out there beyond the gym. Challenge yourself to try a new form of exercise during the month. You could try pilates, kickboxing, crossfit, karate, zumba, hip hop, barre…the possibilities are endless!
GOALS TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL
Go to bed at a reasonable time. Make sleep a priority by creating your own night routine. Going to bed early doesn’t make you a grandma. Give yourself permission to rest.
Explore two new places. See what your city, town and surrounding area has to offer by visiting two places you’ve never been before. Who says you have to take a plane to travel?
Work on a dream or practice a hobby for 20 minutes daily. Whether you want to start learning a new language, start a business or revisit an old hobby like painting or writing, make some time to challenge your brain in a new way for 20 minutes daily.
Declutter your home. If you’ve been meaning to declutter your home for months, take the plunge and just do it. Decluttering makes your living space more relaxing and inviting. Ask yourself these three questions: Does it make my life simpler or more pleasant? Do I have more than one? Is it easily replaceable and/or can I borrow it?
Try the envelope system. In order to save money and get a little wiser with your spending, try budgeting out your money for the month and keeping your cash in envelopes. You’ll start to be more conscious of how you spend your paychecks. Check out Dave Ramsey’s guide to get started.
Volunteer. Give back to your community by volunteering – even for just a day! It’ll make you feel good, and you’ll be doing a whole lot of good for others.
Reach out to someone. Ok I’m guilty, Adele had me in my feelings. I’m sure we all have someone we’ve been meaning to get in touch with for a while. Set a goal to finally connect with them and ask them some genuinely thoughtful questions.
Start a capsule wardrobe. If you’re tired of feeling like you have nothing to wear or you just feel overwhelmed by your closet, why not start a capsule wardrobe? It’s basically a way to ensure that every item in your closet goes with the rest of your clothes so you always have something to wear― PLUS, it will take you less time to get ready in the morning.
What are some techniques you've used to help nurture your mind, body and soul?