Have you ever made ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them after a few weeks? You’re not alone. Instead of struggling with unrealistic goals, try adopting small good habits that can genuinely improve your wellbeing and health. Ready to try our tips?
Why are habits better than resolutions?
Resolutions sound good in theory, but they often turn out to be too vague and… overwhelming. Habits are different – they are small changes that can be woven into your daily life. Over time, they become a part of your routine rather than a burdensome obligation. For example, don’t declare, “I will eat healthy”. Instead, start by finding nutritious ingredients you enjoy and incorporating them into your meals. Sounds better, right?
Simple habits for well-being
So, what’s actually worth incorporating into your daily routine? According to the Shroom philosophy, you should focus on what makes you feel good – both physically and mentally. Here are our tips on how to go through 2025 with joy and health, without stressing over a list of resolutions.
1. Daily physical activity
How often do you tell yourself that you need to sign up for a gym but don’t know where to start? Begin with smaller steps – a few minutes of yoga before bed or a quick workout at home. If finding time for exercise is a challenge, try making the most of even short moments. When you take a 5-minute break from work or wait for the water to boil for tea, instead of reaching for your phone, do a few stretches. Your spine will definitely thank you!
Are you ready to add more movement to your routine but not a fan of workouts? Find an activity that brings you joy, and it will naturally become a good habit. You can turn on your favorite music and have your own private dance party. Even 30 minutes of dancing a day will give you an endorphin boost and help you relax. Walking is another great way to stay active, and you can enjoy it with music, a podcast, or… a friend! Try motivating each other to get outside or walk home from work together.
2. Hydrating Your Body
This may sound simple, but even a slight dehydration can significantly affect your mood and energy levels. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after waking up and before meals. It’s a good idea to always have a bottle of water with you, both at home and on the go, and get into the great habit of taking a few sips regularly.
If you don’t have trouble remembering to drink water, a good habit would be to limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol. They unnecessarily burden your digestive system and your head. Instead, opt for natural, functional beverages without added sugar and caffeine.
3. Better sleep
Did you know that the quality of your sleep affects your entire day? Create an evening ritual that helps you unwind. You could try turning off electronics an hour before bed, lighting a scented candle, or listening to calming music. Regular sleep is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
What’s more, a great habit for improving sleep quality is taking care of the place where you sleep. It’s not just about making your bed every day, but also limiting the activities you do in it. As a matter of fact, if you work, study, or browse social media while lying in bed, your brain may have trouble switching to “rest mode” when it’s actually time to relax. It’s important to have separate spaces for sleeping and for activities.
4. Healthy nutrition
Forget about restrictive diets. The foundation of a good relationship with food is breaking free from the cycle of denying yourself everyday pleasures and compensating for those sacrifices with alcohol and fatty foods on the weekends. It’s better to move away from strict bans and focus on providing your body with everything it needs to function well. When working on your eating habits, focus on small changes that can truly become a permanent part of your kitchen routine. This could be swapping chips for nuts, adding fruit to desserts, or simply listening to your body. Every change, even the smallest one, is a step in the right direction. Also, pay attention to unhealthy habits you should let go of, like skipping meals due to lack of time or drinking coffee right after waking up.
If you want to take even better care of your health, it’s worth considering supplementation and adding adaptogens to your diet. Lion’s mane, known for supporting brain function, and cordyceps militaris, which improves physical endurance and immunity, can be excellent additions.
5. Time for yourself
When was the last time you did something just for yourself? A key habit for maintaining well-being is dedicating at least a moment each day to relaxation. It could be a few minutes of meditation, a walk in the fresh air, your favorite tea with a good book, or simply an hour of silence, without your phone and without thinking about responsibilities. If possible, it’s best to spend your free time in nature. Admiring local nature, walking in the forest, or resting by the water helps reduce stress. Draw energy from what brings you the most joy and from the world around you.
How to stick to new habits?
- Start slowly. Don’t change everything at once – one step at a time is enough. Introducing changes into a well-established routine is like learning new skills; you need to be patient and kind to yourself. Trust the process! Once you’ve gotten used to a new element in your daily life, you can set the next goal. This way, you avoid overwhelm and won’t give up after a week of ten ambitious resolutions.
- Set a specific and achievable goal. Instead of saying, “I need to drink more water!” tell yourself, “I will drink five glasses of water a day.” This way, you’ll notice real changes instead of feeling guilty for not doing enough. Striving for a goal can be difficult. Nevertheless it’s definitely easier to keep going when you can always see the finish line ahead of you.
- Track your progress. Use an app or keep a journal to monitor your progress. Remember, it’s not just about maintaining a good streak. If you’re struggling to keep up with your habit, it’s worth reflecting on why. Maybe your problem with daily reading is actually an issue with concentration? Additionally, in moments of weakness, you can look back at your habit journal and see how much you’ve already accomplished!
- Find support. Talk to your loved ones about what you need from them to make it easier for you to maintain your good habits. For example, if you want to reduce alcohol consumption, you can ask your friends to meet for coffee more often instead of going to bars. Even more, it’s also great to take care of some habits together! You and your partner or family can introduce regular well-being practices into your home. And if you don’t have people around to motivate you, find an online group that shares your goals.
Summary
Shortly, you need to remember small steps can lead to big changes. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on small habits that will gradually improve your life. Are you ready to give yourself a chance for a better year? Start today – your body and mind will thank you for it.
