December 27, 2024

5 Good Habits to Start in the New Year (+ Bad Habits to Break)

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

The turn of a new year is more than just a change in the calendar—it promises second chances and renewed hope. It’s natural to feel motivated to explore new possibilities and become a better version of yourself.

Build good habits as early as now to turn your goals into reality. And just as you create good habits, you must break the bad ones, too. After all, you can’t expect results if your current lifestyle cancels out your new goals. Self-improvement is not just about choosing which habits to start but also knowing which ones to cut out from your life. 

In this blog, we’ll help you take note of good habits to adopt and bad ones to quit in the new year. 

Good Habits for the New Year 

As Atomic Habits author James Clear puts it: Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. Follow the daily self-care activities below to live a healthier, more purposeful life.

1. Exercise regularly

Exercising isn’t just about losing weight or building muscles. Many studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce the risks of chronic diseases. Regular exercise can be as simple as taking a 30-minute brisk walk or attending a dance class.

If you live in one, you can also take advantage of condo amenities to meet this goal. Federal Land properties provide fitness facilities to help you stay active. You can work out in the gym, do daily laps in the swimming pool, or go on power walks around the well-guarded neighborhood. 

The key is incorporating movement in your daily routine to keep your body and mind in shape. Also, choose an exercise you enjoy so it’s easier to commit to it.

2. Eat healthy meals

Nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods pays dividends for your health. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consider meal prepping every weekend to easily resist the temptation of less nutritious options. You can also consult a dietitian about specific meals and eating schedules to know what your body needs.

3. Make sleep a priority

Never underestimate the power of a full night’s sleep. It can reduce stress levels, improve memory, repair body tissues, and more.

Establish a sleep schedule—get seven to nine hours of sleep a night to feel well-rested. Avoid using your phone before sleeping, as blue light exposure can affect your circadian rhythm. Moreover, only take short naps during the day to not disrupt your internal clock.

4. Start investing

The new year is an opportunity to nurture your financial health as well. Investing not only safeguards your hard-earned money but also multiplies it over time.

One investment you can focus on is real estate because it offers stability and potential appreciation. Specifically, Federal Land condominium units present an attractive choice, boasting strategic locations and access to many valuable amenities that simplify life. Remember to consult a real estate agent first to learn how to invest in a condo.

5. Practice gratitude

Life undoubtedly brings many challenges. Nonetheless, cultivate a healthy mindset by practicing gratitude. Acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life to shift away from negativity and achieve emotional balance.

To incorporate gratitude into your routine, you can jot down things you’re grateful for in a daily journal. Expressing gratitude verbally to others and reflecting on the small joys in each day can further embed this habit, promoting a more optimistic outlook on life.

Bad Habits to Break This New Year 

Some things are worth leaving behind in the yesteryear. Breaking the following bad habits allows you to make room for good ones.

1. Ordering food deliveries often

Constantly relying on food deliveries not only strains your budget but also impacts your health negatively. As an inexpensive alternative, consider cooking at home. This way, you can control the ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods to make your meals healthier.

2. Shopping online excessively

While online shopping offers convenience, excessive indulgence can lead to financial strain and clutter. To break this habit, set a budget, create a shopping list, and consider the value of each purchase. In short, be a conscious consumer. Being mindful of your spending fosters financial responsibility and helps you prioritize needs over wants.

3. Spending too much time on social media

Scrolling through social media may be a good way to destress and pass the time. However, doing it too often can impact your mental health.

Limit your screen time to 30 minutes a day and use the remaining of your time prioritizing real-life interactions and engaging in activities that promote personal growth. Balancing online and offline connections fosters a healthier relationship with technology and allows you to focus on meaningful experiences.

4. Having a messy, disorganized home

A cluttered and disorganized living space can contribute to stress and lack of productivity. One thing you can regularly do this year is to set a cleaning routine or mindset. Remind yourself that everything has a place in your home—for instance, shoes go in a cabinet while toys go in a plastic bin.

Clean up one area at a time, set a laundry schedule, and periodically purge your belongings. These habits are ideal if you want to achieve a minimalist condo. Maintaining a tidy home enhances your physical environment and promotes mental clarity and a sense of calm.

5. Procrastinating

Constantly putting tasks off can cause more problems down the line, taking more effort than you intended. To overcome procrastination, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and set realistic deadlines. You can also use techniques such as the Pomodoro method, which involves focused work intervals interspersed with short breaks to enhance concentration.

Start the New Year Right

While changing your life every new year is not mandatory, it’s a good opportunity to start developing a healthier lifestyle. Your resolutions don’t have to be drastic life changes; they can be as easy and simple as moving your body every day or making time for friends twice a month. The point is to evaluate your priorities and devote more time to them in the new year. 

If one of your goals is to move to a new place, look no further than Federal Land. We offer RFO condo units for sale, ideal for those who want to quickly settle in and start a new chapter of their lives.

Explore our page to learn more about our properties.