Forget Resolutions; 2024 is the Year of the MicroChange

Ah, the first of January. The day we pledge to change our lives one major resolution at a time. And yet, even a week later, at best, these changes are rarely consistently upheld and most discarded altogether.

So instead of the grand, let’s commit to humble changes that, although small, can still significantly impact our lives with no money, little time, and NOT giving anything up!

Here are ten micro changes that you can introduce into your new year-

Change the way you brush your teeth

The smallest of changes in this list but one that can positively impact your bones. Whilst brushing your teeth, balance one foot on the other leg. Repeat on the other side after the first minute. Over time, this will help strengthen your lower legs and ankles. And hey, what else are you doing in these two minutes anyway?

One Minute Action

If you have a job or task that can be done in a minute — DO IT! Please don’t put it off because you can do it later. Hang up the coat, water the plant, and put the dishes in the dishwasher, not just on the side. These small one-minute tasks will eventually lead to more significant time savings in your day-to-day life.

The Ten-Minute Family Clean-Up

In the same vein as the above schedule, ten minutes a day when the whole family cleans simultaneously. Put on some music, pick a task and blast out those jobs for ten minutes. Even though it is just ten minutes a day, that’s 70 minutes over the week that you don’t have to do in one go.

Cry It Out

We are all guilty of hiding or restricting our emotions. Over time, these build up and can result in much more significant mental and physical symptoms. So this year, pledge to let out those emotions. Have a good cry and feel the emotional benefits.

Breathe

We often underestimate the power of breathing. Or we breathe incorrectly. We must recognise the health benefits of learning to inhale and exhale correctly and consistently. Check out many free videos on YouTube on training yourself and your breathing. Your body and mind will thank you.

Listen to Your Gut

We often listen to our mind and not the niggling feeling our gut is yelling at us. Our gut is our oldest and most faithful barometer, which we often fail to listen to. Make 2024 the year to listen to the inner voice, not just the ‘logical’ one.

Napping

Naps are overwhelmingly underrated and should be embraced by everyone. Ten minutes of daily ‘resting your eyes’ can positively impact your health and well-being. In 2024, why not allow yourself the time to relax your body and brain? It is the best free self-care you can give yourself.

Micro-Dating

When we think of dates or date nights, we often think of meals with our loved ones in excellent restaurants and good food. So far, so lovely. However, due to the expense of these, we often relegate this to once a month or, at best, once a week. Why don’t we change our perspective and make our dates a walk around a park, a coffee or a drive? These smaller dates take less time and little money but can still lead to greater intimacy with our partner.

Taking Note of When You Are Protected

Our bodies are constantly scanning and on alert for danger. However, for many, this leads to increased stress hormones and anxiety. So, use 2024 to start to retrain and reframe your brain. Take note of when you are feeling safe and protected. When you realise this consistently, your brain will begin to move to a feeling of healthy being rather than being on edge.

Work On Your Inner Critic

We all have that inner voice that is diligently there to reassure us that we are not good enough, not doing enough, just not enough. Make 2024 the year we speak to ourselves with grace, kindness, and forgiveness.

I hope you find at least one of these micro resolutions helpful. Remember, small changes can still lead to significant outcomes, and I wish you, your family, and your loved ones a 2024 filled with laughter, love and joy.