As an athlete, I don’t add ‘loose more weight’ to my list of resolutions for the new year. I never have. Why? Because there are so many types of self-improvements one can make each year that don’t revolve around your weight. Below is a list of resolutions for athletes, especially for those looking to improve your year.
23 Resolutions for Athletes in the New Year
Improve your flexibility. This is on my list this year. The benefits of being flexible include increased athletic performance, decrease injury, enhanced blood flow, and more.
Practice gratitude. Keeping track of things, people and events that you’re grateful for throughout the year can help you improve your mental and physical wellness. Taking a few minutes to pause, reflect, and list the things I’m appreciative for helps me each day, especially when I have a lot going on.
Get specific about your goals. I noticed that when I became more specific with my goals, they came to fruition faster.
Make time for family. With the busyness of our daily lives, it can be hard to make time for family. Schedule that one-on-one time, whether it’s by planning monthly family dinners or simply FaceTiming once a week to check in.
Build a better budget. If you don’t have a budget yet, make time to start one, or review the budget you already have. Take a look at your finances and figure out a way you can do better in eliminating debt, saving money, investing, or other personal finance areas.
Practice mindfulness. Anxiety can hit anybody at any time during the season, so it’s important to address it as best as possible. Practicing mindfulness means taking time to pause, being grateful for what you have now and where you are currently.e.
Cook something new. Everyone wants to eat healthier in the new year, but you should also try to eat more diverse foods. Try cooking something new each week or each month if you’re swamped for time.
Read more. If you’re a reader, the new year is a great time to pick up a new book. If physical books aren’t your thing, commit to listening to audio books or downloading books onto a e-reader or lap top.
Create a cleaning schedule. A few years back I decided to clean on weeknights, schedule permitting. It was one of the best moves I made, because it helps clear up my schedule on weekends. If you cant clean your whole living space at once, tackle a room during different times of the week.
Commit to better sleep. Sleep has so many benefits, especially for athletes. Commit to clocking in more consistent hours of sleep. You body and mind will improve dramatically over time with this lifestyle change.
Join a club. Starting a new hobby or joining a club is a great way to meet people and mix up your daily routine.
Volunteer more. There is no better feeling than taking time out to help others or causes that matter to you. Schedule these efforts in advance so you can develop long-term plans that you can stick with.
Embrace healthy eating. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fish, beans and proteins will help you keep a balance diet. Gut health is so important for people, especially athletes. Making small adjustments starting in the new year will have a huge change on your athletic performance, mental processing, and overall well-being.
Prioritize annual health screenings. I don’t know anybody who loves going to the doctor- for any reason. Yet, scheduling annual visits are so important! Seeing a doctor can help you stay on track with and prevent health scares from turning into health issues. Scheduling annual visits and preventative screenings will ensure you’re keeping your health a priority as you age.
Plan a vacation. This can include a stay-cation, especially if funds are tight! Taking a brake from work and the daily grind can help you relax and come back refreshed and more energized than before.
Make a spa appointment. It’s always a good practice to treat yourself, especially if you’re constantly working and doing for others. A massage, facial or other treatment is a really nice treat a few times a year.
Drink up. Drinking water and consuming foods that hydrate is essential to performance, cognitive function, immunity, and so much more. Stay on top of your hydration needs, especially if you’re not great at fueling up daily.
Stop multitasking. Studies have shown that sometimes, multitasking doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting more things done. Try doing one thing at a time by blocking out chunks of time to complete tasks.
Let go of drama. I’ve been there- working hard being competitive, and focusing on what isn’t going your way is NOT the right mentality. Being angry, most of the time can have negative long-term effects on your health. Headaches, high blood pressure, stomach problems, let alone relationships with family and friends can seriously effect your life if you don’t check your anger at the door.
Get a therapist. W Your family and friends can only do so much for you. A professional therapist can help you acquire the tools you need to manage your mental health. There are so many options out there- from apps, digital programs and programs through your healthcare provider.
Try a new career. If you know your job isn’t the right fit, or you’ve been longing to try a new career field for a long time, why not try this year? Before you make any leap- make sure that you are financial covered and protected, especially if your career change involves a change in salary or benefits.
Learn a new skill. This might be hard if you’re juggling multiple proprieties, but a new skill doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Through online courses or digital apps, you can learn a new language, learn to play that instrument you’ve always wanted to, or find a skill that helps you find peace during busy weeks.
Make more tough decisions. Life-changing decisions can sometimes hold us back. The more we think about a new direction to take, the more we might stress and have trouble getting off that hamster wheel of anxiety. As scary as it might feel, make those hard decisions as quickly as possible so that you can check off some worrying from your list.