Anyone who has ever made New Year resolutions would know how tough it is to keep to them, especially when they involve trimming that belly flab or scouting for better job prospects. The bottom line remains though – we make goals because we want more out of our existence. So, instead of conjuring castles in the air, here are 8 realistic, not-that-hard, good-for-you things you could do more for yourself. Cheers!

#1 GET THINGS DONE

To do something, anything, you’ll first need to get up and do it. Whether it’s to join a dance class or save enough to apply for a flat with that special someone, we all need to wallop procrastination. Quit the excuses and repeat this as many times as necessary: There is no better time to do it than now.

You can read self-help books, set reminders on your phone, pen it down in your scheduler but remember that eventually, you’re the only one who can get things done and produce the fruits of your labour. The hardest bit is to start but once you emerge from the initial stage of laziness and gain your momentum, you’ll soar with the motivation that comes from knowing you’re out there doing what you’ve always wanted to do.

#2 LET IT GO

Just like how you need to empty rubbish before your trashcan is too full for any thing else, you’ll need to let go of emotional baggage from time to time. Is there a bridge in your life that can be mended? People you need to forgive? Family grudges you need to erase? For some, you may still be berating yourself for a mistake you made years ago.

Living in guilt doesn’t make you a longsuffering hero. It simply robs you of living a lifestyle of freedom and joy. The process of forgiveness may feel as if you’re taking one step forward and two steps back. That’s okay. Acknowledge your feelings, keep on moving and know that you’re in a better place than then.

#3 MAKE ROOM FOR YOURSELF

In the midst of work commitments, running the household and catching up with friends, always take some time to hang out with yourself and just be you. It’s important because that’s when your thoughts, interests and emotions prevail, giving you the inclination to propel in life.

There are countless creative ways to make room for yourself. Transform a part of your home (bedroom, balcony, kitchen etc.) into a cosy, imaginative space. Put up a DIY collage of your favourite things, quotes that inspire you, books that you want to read more of and enter this nook whenever you feel like it.

#4 AMP UP YOUR APPEARANCE

If you can, take a good look at yourself in a full-length mirror now. Do you like what you see? There are many self-help authors who encourage you to embrace your flaws completely. But how about appreciating the parts you like and really working on the bits you think can be improved? It doesn’t need to be a drastic change; a monthly eyebrow wax, taking the stairs instead of the lift for more toned calves (exercises your ticker too!).

Whatever your body shape is, adorn it in style. Make the effort to dress well. You’ll feel good inside when you know you’re taking care of yourself.

#5 SPRING-CLEAN YOUR SOCIAL LIFE

Monday: Watch a movie with bestie. Tuesday: Tennis with college friends. Wednesday: Ladies Night at Clarke Quay. Thursday: Check out new café with colleagues. Friday: Bowling Mania with ex-classmates. Saturday: Shopping with Darling. Sunday: Soccer with the boys. If your social calendar is making you feel burned-out, perhaps you should take a rain check. Ask yourself if you’re meeting for the sake of meeting. The motivation to spend quality time with friends and love ones should always be sincere.

Do yourself a favour and minimise or better still, break off contact from soul-zappers (aka people who drain your energy and generally like to whine and gossip). Surround yourself with loving, positive people instead. Now, where do you look for such friends? Start by being a loving and positive individual and people will naturally gravitate towards your radiance.

#6 THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide. Taking risks isn’t easy. It involves making nerve-wrecking decisions, betting on a choice, trusting your instincts. Although success can’t be guaranteed, remember that you want to have sailed through life knowing you’ve given things a shot.

If you need that extra push, draft a ‘pros and cons’ list. Tear the part on cons and dump it, then paste the part on pros at your desk, or keep it in your wallet and look at it whenever you want to be reminded of why you’ve taken this risk. So go ahead, take up the job offer, chop off your locks, book that holiday. Do it!

#7 EAT MORE GREENS

At the risk of sounding like your mama, I’ll still advocate incorporating more vegetables in your meals. They’re high in vitamins A and C, rich in dietary fibre, potassium and antioxidants. In other words, they keep you in shape, strengthen your immunity (so you fall sick less often) lower the risk of diseases (more time to enjoy life with love ones) and need I say more?

Look up the Internet for quick-and-easy vegetable recipes and bookmark a few that appeal to you. Take a trip to the market and fill your cart with new ones you haven’t tried. You don’t always have to consume vegetables as a salad – throw spinach into soups, sauté broccoli with meat, mix peas, corn and long beans in fried rice… the possibilities are endless.

#8 MAKE YOUR MARK

There is more to life than chasing your dreams and making merry with the people you love. At the core of every person lies his/her purpose waiting to be fulfilled. How are you living your life everyday? What kind of person do you hope you can be known as? What seeds are you planting in the hearts of others?

Don’t belittle the value you bring into people’s lives. Write down three wonderful things about you then ponder how you could make use of who you are and what you have to bless others. Stand up for what you believe in, adopt an internal locus of control and know that you have the power to impact your family, friends and society.

About the writer:
Lorraine is a freelance writer whose three favourite things in life are: curling up on bed with a good book, practising yoga and writing stories. A wellness enthusiast, she believes in the power of a balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep. She dreams of becoming an authoress one day.

There is much talk these days on the topic of mindfulness. It goes by a few names – staying present, living in the here and now, being focused. Some people form the misconception that being mindful means meditating on a mat in a tranquil garden, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are others who think they need to concentrate hard on a particular object and empty their minds of thoughts.

Great news, you do not need to be someplace special and you definitely need not free up your schedule in order to feel like you’re living in the now. The gist? Pay attention to your surroundings, your breath and your thoughts. Here are some easy ways to practise mindfulness as you go about your day.

#1 ON THE TRAIN OR BUS – ENGAGE YOUR SENSES

Most people ‘switch off’ while taking the public transport. We sink into our music or read the paper. Some keep the eyes closed while many of us fiddle with our mobiles. The commute to and fro work/ school is one of the best times to observe your breath but firstly, battle the itch to check your handphone!

Switch it to silent mode and place it in your bag instead of having it in your hands or pocket. Let your gaze rest on whoever or whatever is in your line of vision. What colours do you see? Listen. Can you hear the shuffling of feet, the opening and closing of train doors, the distant wail of a baby, somebody coughing?

Breathe in and observe the different scents around you. If your mind drifts off, gently bring your awareness back to your body. If you’re not used to ‘doing nothing’ during your ride, start with 5 minutes or tell yourself to stay mindful for 3 train stops before getting back to your usual routine.

#2 AT WORK – ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EMOTIONS

There’s that children’s nursery song, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” Well, do you really ‘know it’ when you are happy or mad? It’s important to know that staying mindful isn’t about removing yourself from the experience and wishing away the bad moments. It’s about being in tune with how you relate to things that happen in your life.

On a rough day, take a deep breath and say aloud to yourself, “I don’t feel so good right now. I am irritated because ______________. But it is okay to feel this way for awhile.” Don’t rush to feel better by occupying yourself with other tasks. Try to avoid solving the problem there and then. Remember, the goal is to observe and acknowledge your feelings.

#3 DURING MEALTIME – SAVOUR YOUR FOOD!

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.” – Voltaire.

Indeed, mealtimes should be a delight and something you look forward to every day. Regard food as nourishment for your body and energy for the hours ahead. The next time you tuck into your meal, pretend you’re an alien from another planet and study your dish like you’re seeing it for the first time.

What’s on your plate today? Look at the cluster of vegetables and the gleaming lines of noodles. Notice the texture of the food as you chew it. Taste the different flavours bursting in your mouth. Be thankful for this meal.

#4 WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS – STOP

Getting fresh laundry folded and ironed, picking the kids up from school, fixing lights, doing the groceries… There are tons of things to do even when we knock off from work. Sometimes, it’s good to just halt in your tracks. Stop trying to race against time. Know that you’re an amazing person who is capable of caring for yourself, the people in your life and even strangers.

If you’re waiting to cross a road to get to your destination, observe your surroundings, however plain they seem to you. Be aware of what you are doing. If you are outdoors or indoors by a window, notice the sun setting and take notice of its golden light slowly dissipating in hues of salmon pink and orange. If your mind gets bombarded by pending items on your to-do-lists, just acknowledge them and guide your thoughts back to the here and now.

#5 BEFORE HITTING THE SACK – BREATHE THROUGH ALTERNATE NOSTRIL

Now is the time to rest. You’ve done a wonderful day of work. If you find that it’s a challenge to quieten your thoughts, try to avoid using your computer or mobile at least an hour before bedtime. Alternate nostril breathing, or nadi shodhan pranayama in Sanskrit, helps direct your focus to your breath and it’s great for calming frazzled nerves (so you could also use this technique when you’re stressed!).

Firstly, sit up on your bed. Use your ring finger and gently press your left nostril down. Inhale through your right nostril then use your thumb to press your right nostril down so both nostrils are shut. Hold your breath for five seconds. Let go of your ring finger and release your breath from the left nostril for five seconds. Repeat the pattern on the other side for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Cultivating awareness is like toning your muscles. You need to exercise it frequently in order to reap its benefits. Wherever you are in your practice, never rush or force yourself to stay mindful. Adopt an open heart and in time, you’ll notice an increased sense of peace and clarity of mind. And frankly, that’s all you need to enjoy the present.

About the writer:
Lorraine is a freelance writer whose three favourite things in life are: curling up on bed with a good book, practising yoga and writing stories. A wellness enthusiast, she believes in the power of a balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep. She dreams of becoming an authoress one day.