5 Simple Swaps That Will Make It Easier to Stick With Your Wellness Goals

Trying to prioritize your health and wellness can be a difficult thing to do, between the day-to-day hustle, the temperature continuing to drop, and the pandemic raging on. Pushing yourself to fulfill those grand goals you set at the beginning of the year can add unnecessary stress. That's why we created five easy swaps for common New Year's resolutions: to help you thrive throughout the year. Whether it's starting your day with meditation instead of forcing yourself to wake up early or swapping an intense workout regimen for an afternoon walk with your bestie, read on to see the small adjustments you can make to stay on track with your wellness goals.

Going to the gym every day seems great in theory, but it can be difficult to put into practice. In the mornings, your bed can feel a little too cozy to leave, and the post-5 p.m. gym rush can deter you from ever stepping on the weight room floor again. But you don't need to upend your daily routine to incorporate a bit of movement — start by going on a walk with your bestie. Even on days you don't want to go, having someone else to rely on will motivate you to get up and get moving. If your friends live far away or your schedules don't align, opt for a solo walk and make a phone call or two along the way.

We have all been hit with the Sunday night screen-time report — that disappointing roundup of the hours we wasted scrolling through our feeds. But it can be tough to set limits on your screen time — nevermind giving up social media altogether. Instead of feeling guilty, set healthy boundaries with your phone. Perhaps it's reading a few pages of a lighthearted romance book before bed. Or maybe it's going the old-school route and calling friends rather than liking or commenting on their latest post. In the end, being more intentional about how you spend your time online can help you be more present in your IRL interactions.

The new year often brings a wave of resolutions to follow healthy — and often restrictive — diets. People vow to eat fewer calories and cut out sugars, only to eat uninspired, bland foods. That's where Life Cuisine comes in — nutrition-forward frozen meals made for different lifestyles. Whether it's low-carb, meatless, high-protein, or gluten-free, these meals will inspire you to explore new flavors while sticking to your goals. Replace that runny egg-white scramble with tasty and low-calorie tomato and spinach egg bites, or sub out a dull protein bowl for zesty chicken enchiladas. Stocking your freezer with Life Cuisine meals means you'll always have good-for-you options on hand.

Some people aren't morning people, and we're here to tell you that it's OK. If you're in a better headspace later at night, then let it be — don't force yourself to wake up early because society deems it "more productive." Instead of setting your alarm clock for 6 a.m., try starting your day with meditation. Before leaving bed, find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Whether it's five minutes or 20, a morning meditation can ease you into the day with clarity and intention. You can also incorporate this routine before bed to end your day with a moment of calm.

You don't necessarily need a dozen skin-care products in your routine — a few key ingredients are all you really need for glowing, healthy skin. But sometimes, even taking off your makeup at night can feel like a daunting task. It's tempting to walk past the bathroom, rest your head on the pillow, and just doze off (especially after those late nights). Instead of incorporating a medley of products into your nightly routine, try taking off your makeup before slipping under the covers. You can even leave some makeup wipes on your nightstand if walking over to the sink feels like too much. Give it a week or two, and this practice will become intuitive — you'll never skip a cleanse before bed again.

Design: Allie Pakrosnis; Photography: Shutterstock