The New Year brings so many exciting promises of change: a healthier diet, better and longer sleep, and a deeper commitment to care for the environment. But by mid-February resolutions (often) fall by the wayside. This year, prepare for success! Here’s how:
In 2020 I Will Eat Better
A popular New Year’s resolution, the decree to eat healthier is often dependent on your habits in the kitchen.
- Step 1: Re-organize the refrigerator. Wash and chop fruit and veggies for an easy and accessible snack. And, re-stock regularly!
- Step 2: Buy a whiteboard for your fridge. Use it to plan what you’ll be eating for the week and what groceries you need to buy to avoid last-minute take-out. Before heading to the grocery store, take a photo with your phone and you’re good to go.
- Step 3: Rearrange your cupboards. Make smaller plates and bowls more accessible, place larger items out of reach.
- Step 4: Keep the inside of the fridge clean and fresh with an eco-spray of equal parts vinegar and water, so spills and little mishaps can be easily cleaned up. Then, just once a month, wash removable shelves and drawers with warm soapy water, letting them dry completely before putting them back.
In 2020 I Will Get More Sleep
We can all benefit from a bit more sleep. Studies show that worldwide, 51% of adults don’t get enough sleep.
- Try this trick: Stand in the middle of your bedroom and look for piles of clutter. Studies show that clutter has adverse effects on sleep.
- Optimize your bedroom environment with light cancelling curtains or blinds. Eliminating external light is a key factor to getting a good night’s sleep. You may even want to turn your alarm clock to face the wall. Blue light is just as disruptive.
- Making the bed, every day is the new mantra for success. Not only does it reduce stress and instantly make your room look cleaner, it makes heading up to bed much more appealing. Add a spritz of lavender to encourage a night of deep uninterrupted sleep.
In 2020 I Will be More Eco-Conscious
Being concerned about the planet is not a fad, it’s a necessity. Switching over to more sustainable products and practices is not an extreme sport, start slow to keep up the momentum year-round.
- Assuming you haven’t already, invest in a reusable shopping bag. Did you know it takes 500 years for a plastic bag to decay once it hits the landfill?
- Wash your clothes less, and wash using cold water. Levi’s claims jeans can be worn at least 10x before needing to be washed. Surprisingly, 25% of the carbon footprint of a garment comes from the way we care for it.
- And, of course, drive less. Take public transit, carpool, or better yet, ride a bike or walk to your destination. If getting more exercise is also one of your New Year’s resolutions, you can kill two birds with one stone
Start the New Year off with a clean slate! Schedule a deep clean of your home and focus on making this a spectacular year to remember. It’s easy! All you have to do is find your local Molly Maid.
