During the last few weeks of the year, we’re usually focused on what’s to come – all the new habits we’re going to create and the goals we’re going to achieve and the workouts we’re going to do in the new year. But I always find that doing a few simple things to prepare myself for the new year gets me off to a better start! So below I’ve created a list of 5 ways that you can prep for the new year. I hope you find it helpful and it blesses you to be the best YOU!
1. CREATE A LIST OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
It’s human nature to always have your sights set on what’s next, but if you don’t appreciate what you’ve done then you’ll never appreciate what you do! Create a list of all of your accomplishments from the past year, big and small. Really take your time here. Think through each month and list everything out. If needed, have a look through your planner or social media to see what you were up to each month.
2. CREATE A LIST OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED
A great way to prepare for the new year is to create a list of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from the year that’s been. Think back on the year and create a list of all of the lessons you want to take with you into the new year. Again, look at your planner or social media accounts to refresh your memory if needed! And make sure that you don’t create any lessons that will tempt you to hold yourself back or keep yourself small. You can make anything of the year that you want – make sure it will serve you
3. BOOK OUTSTANDING APPOINTMENTS
If there are any appointments you've been procrastinating on (like a car service, doctor’s check up or dentist visit) now is the time to make them so they’ll definitely happen in the new year. Don’t let outstanding appointments keep hanging over you! Figure out when you can do them and book them in. Also accept there might never be a ‘good time’ to go, you might just need to bite the bullet and be inconvenienced for a day. But it’ll be worth it!
4. CLEAN OUT YOUR WARDROBE
Set a day aside to declutter your wardrobe. Take every item out of your wardrobe, give it a good clean. Store seasonal clothes. Donate and sell the rest!
Warning: Don’t leave yourself with so few clothes that you feel the need to rush out and buy new ones, as impulse purchases will likely leave you feeling dissatisfied in the long run. If you’ve fallen out of love with your current selection, identify the pieces you want to replace, and get shopping!
5. UPGRADE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Sometimes we need a change of scenery, especially if you're in the North where New Years is often cold, dark and dreary. So, if you're feeling like you need a little pep in your step, go out for New Year's; take a trip, visit friends, do whatever sounds and feels good to you!
If you’re planning to travel by plane, don't wait to book flights. Fares are lower this year, and major airlines have removed change fees for most domestic flights, so travelers have added flexibility. If you’re able, use miles instead of cash!
If you’re getting behind the wheel for your trip, pack with the pandemic in mind. Stock your vehicle with masks, Hand Sanitizer and plenty of snacks :) Don’t rely on picking up supplies during the trip since there is no guarantee they will be in stock wherever you’re headed or passing through. And if you’re renting a car for the trip, price check around because there are some great deals!
Keep in mind that restrictions vary by state. Do your homework to make sure your destination is open, what rules are in place for visitors and residents, and what quarantine measures may be mandatory. Check in with state and local websites to be sure you understand any restrictions on the states you are passing through and your final destination.
Hotels have gone to great lengths to adapt to the pandemic. Changes have been made to housekeeping, checkin, checkout and every step in between.
Once you are in your room, there are additional sanitation steps you can take. Experts recommend cleaning touch points with disinfecting wipes with at least 70 percent alcohol. In addition to obvious objects to clean, such as remote controls, alarm clocks and the landline phone, there are the easily overlooked ones, like cabinet and drawer handles, doorknobs and door locks, light switches, desk surfaces, and information booklets and brochures.
Sanitize the surfaces in your bathroom as well, including faucets and handles. Keep toiletries inside of a toiletry bag instead of unpacking them onto a towel on the counter. My favorite cleaning solution in which I make wipes and clean my whole house from can be found here.
