7 Easy Resolutions New Moms Can Actually Accomplish This Year

Published on 12/15/2016 at 4:34 PM

Thinking about resolutions for the coming year can be exhausting and overwhelming. There's barely enough time in the day as it is, so adding more goals may feel like a pipe dream that will only lead to disappointment. However, as a new mom, there is no better time to take a step back and decide if there are things that will make your next year more fulfilling. Here are seven resolutions that not only are totally achievable, but that you'll also want to achieve.

1. Read a book a month.

Among the health benefits of reading, two stand out for new moms: reading can help you relax and it can help you sleep. Spend less of your downtime in front of a screen, and read instead. You can start small with a book of short stories or essays, or by setting a goal of reading a chapter each night. Once you are back in the habit, you may soon be ready to step up your reading game by completing a reading challenge.

2. Take up meditation.

If the thought of meditating immediately gives you anxiety, we’re right there with you! And that probably means that this is the resolution you need most. Meditation has been shown to decrease stress levels and improve sleep. It’s easy to devote just five to 10 minutes a day to the practice, and there are even apps to help you do it.

3. Step up your romance.

This is a fun one! If you feel like you’ve lost some of the spark since becoming a parent, carve out one night a month for a special date night. Ideally, you can get a babysitter and go out to dinner or a show. If you can’t get (or afford) a sitter every month, then plan a special night at home together.

4. Tackle your fitness goal.

Fitness goals vary. You may still be hanging on to some baby weight, or you may be eating less healthy now that you have less time to cook. The best way to accomplish your health goals is to commit to modest lifestyle changes. Start small by committing to, for example, a 30-minute walk twice a week. Once you’ve done that for a month, add another workout each week. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, at-home exercise videos can be an incredible way to squeeze in an extra workout. Just like that, you’ve added three more workouts per week!

5. Get in the picture.

Literally, that’s it. It is so fun documenting your little one(s) grow, but this is a huge time in your life, too! Make sure to take a step back and remember to capture pictures of you and your partner sharing in these moments.

6. Be more social.

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in parenting that you let your other relationships slide. Commit to at least one social outing per month — big or small — to keep nurturing the relationships that make you, you. Or let the new year be the motivation you need to finally join that moms group or baby music class. It’s refreshing to meet other moms and your baby will get to make new friends, too.

7. Treat yourself.

When you are so busy taking care of a little one, it is too easy to forget to take care of yourself. Do one special thing — just for you — each month. Treat yourself to a massage or pedicure, or pour yourself some wine and take a bath. You deserve it!