9 Easy Ways to Make 2019 Even Better Than 2018

Instead of making (and let’s face it, breaking) resolutions this year, maybe we should all just (Netflix and) chill and aim for small victories that are within easy reach. It’s tempting to go for broke when the calendar rolls over to January but it’s the little things—the low-hanging fruit—that are easiest to implement, stick with, and thus benefit from.

So here’s a list of easy peasy actions to take in 2019 that will make life easier, healthier, and happier. While this certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, each item requires minimal effort yet produces maximal benefits. And really, is there a better way to low-key slide into the New Year? Feel free to comment and tell me what low-hanging fruit you’ll be picking in 2019!

#1 Get focused. Turn off all notifications on your smartphone. Do you really need to get notified that someone liked your latest social media post? Research has shown that even if you don’t look at a notification on your phone, just getting one can disrupt your focus just as much as actually making a call or sending a text. Do this and you’ll be far less distracted and way more productive.

#2 Spend less time online shopping and save money. Use Reader mode on your web browser on your smart phone and computer for an ad-free surfing experience. It’s fantastic not having to fight through ads and pop-ups, and the bonus is that you’ll probably end up with more money in your bank account and fewer ill-considered impulse purchases in the back of your closet.

#3 Fall asleep faster and sleep better. Turn on Night Shift mode on your iPhone from morning through evening rather than just for a couple of hours at night. Science increasingly points to our beloved digital screens as a culprit in the destruction of melatonin, which we need for optimal sleep. The less time you spend looking at blue light the more natural melatonin you'll have in your system.

#4 Improve your sleep with very little effort. Stretch for 5 - 10 minutes before getting into bed. Science points stretching (and resistance exercise, but we’ll leave that one alone for now) as a way to get to sleep faster and improve sleep quality, particularly in those who have insomnia. It’s an easy way to help you transition to sleep and wake up feeling more rested.

#5 Expend less mental energy trying to diet. Change the order of what you eat and you’ll probably end up eating fewer calories overall. Filling up on good-for-you veggies, fruit, or whole grains first can help you refrain from overeating the other stuff that may be higher in calories.

#6 Eat dessert. Paradoxically, eating your favorite foods or treats can also help you not eat them. The key is planning out your indulgences and not trying to abstain indefinitely. Saying “yes” occasionally can help you tame your inner cookie monster and control your overall intake of sweets and treats. A diet free of favorite foods is not one most people can even contemplate, much less follow. So don’t.

#7 Simmer down. Download (and actually use) a meditation or mindfulness app. Inscape and Headspace are my favorites; others swear by the Calm app. They’ll help you keep calm and carry on during the day, and get better sleep at night.

#8 Get your (digital) act together. Use Pocket app or other similar apps to save websites, articles, tweets and other digital ephemera. Seriously life changing for me. I can finally close most of the 50+ tabs I have open in my browser!

#9 Outsource accountability. Find a workout buddy or better yet (shameless plug alert), get a health and wellness coach to help you stay accountable and motivated to achieve your goals in 2019.