5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Life in the New Year

Strengthening your healthy relationships can enhance your quality of life

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

January 6, 2023

As we ring in the New Year, many of us are seeking ways to boost our well-being in 2023. Here are 5 tips to guide you there.

Get quality sleep
Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Studies have shown that not getting quality sleep can lead to higher risk of health-related issues like obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, colds and other infections. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule every day, even on weekends. Sleep in a completely dark room (try blackout curtains) since light can block melatonin production, the hormone your body produces to promote sleepiness. Research has shown that being in a fully lit room before sleep delays melatonin production compared to dim lighting. Try a white noise machine if sounds, like street noise or a creaking attic, keep you awake. And shut off electronic devices at least an hour before bed.

Spend more time with loved ones
Think about the people that matter most in your life and devote time with them. Strengthening your healthy relationships can improve your quality of life. A PLOS ONE study showed that happiness, stress, and well-being levels were better predicted by the strength and structure of the participants’ circle of friends than by the physical health data collected on a fitness tracker. 

Write down goals and share them
Studies indicate that if you write down a goal, you are much more likely to achieve it. And sharing that new year goal with someone you believe has a higher status, like a mentor or supervisor, can be beneficial. Research from The Ohio State University found that people showed more significant goal commitment and performance when they told their goal to someone they believed had higher status than themselves. The key is you need to care about the opinion of the higher-status person you are sharing your goal, reported the study's lead author.

Express gratitude
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Studies show that people who consciously count their blessings generally are happier and less depressed. Smiling, saying “thank you,” and helping someone else are ways to show gratitude. Visual reminders can serve as cues to trigger thoughts of gratitude. Generally, the best visual reminders are from other people, like a photo of a favorite relative, or your pet. Encourage yourself to look for the silver lining in challenges so that you can find something to learn from your difficulties and be thankful for.

Shake it up – socially and physically
Getting out and socializing has its benefits. In addition to fun, it can be a way to chill out and provides an opportunity to learn new things. Find simple ways of moving more to improve your overall health, like taking the stairs, using a shopping basket instead of a cart, exercising while watching tv, or sponsoring a charity walk or run. It can be even more motivating if you share a physical activity with friends and family.