By Volunteer Writer┃Posted: April 11, 2019

The world has already welcomed another brand new year. Even though we’re a few months in, you can still take a pause and think of 19 things you’d want to give up in 2019. Fuel your mind, change gears and kick-start your year with these pointers:

1. Upgrade your willpower like you upgrade all your digital gadgets. Are you waiting to give up your puffs and alcohol? Hit the gym with greater regularity? Just commit yourself to it.  

2. No procrastination. Do you love postponing your to-do-lists just to achieve perfection? Are you waiting for the right second, minute, hour, and day to either begin your task, make your submissions, or learn that new instrument? If your answer to the above questions is “YES,” put a stop to this habit right NOW.

3. Kick off any sense of lethargy, be it for social commitments or for your growth. Practice this and see your confidence oozing.

4. Don’t let toxins remain unattended in your body. Help your body flush them out. Drink more water, do a little fasting and give your body a break. It’s the most sophisticated machine you’ve got.

5. Give up your overindulgence in social media. Reduce your time being online. Instead, make something with your hands. You’ll find it more relaxing and therapeutic.

6. Take pride in yourself. Stop saying ‘no time to dress-up’ in the morning. Show up every day with flair, elan, and zeal. It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom, a freelancer, or a pursuing a full job. You’ll find a huge difference in your energy and attitude.

7. In your packed schedule, make time for meditation every day. This “me-time” with yourself is one thing you ought to do. The benefits of a regular mindfulness routine are too many to count. Don’t miss out.  

8. Eliminate your late nights. Make your bed and retire for the day before the next day begins. Be kind to your body.

9. It isn’t a great idea to invest your energies on meaningless, supremely long conversations. Follow the “KISS” principle; keep it short and sweet. Give up gossip or wait before you express everything that comes to mind. You’ll find this new approach to chitchat surprisingly freeing!

10. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether it’s a workout at the gym, some sun salutations, a fast-paced walk, jog, or anything you like, move every inch of your body.

11. Give up the elevator and use the stairs. Only if you’re carrying heavy luggage should you excuse yourself to use the lift. Otherwise, whether at the metro station, your office lobby, your apartment, or your favorite restaurant, climb up.

12. Watch your words and how you use them. Words have the potential to cement bonds and break people down. Be aware, they add to your vibrations and affect your energies.

13. JUNK is another four-letter word; so is FOOD. Put them together and remind yourself to reduce your intake of junk food to once a week, or eliminate it. You’ll do yourself some good. Go for mouthwatering alternatives prepared in the right manner with the right ingredients.

14. Be prudent in your expenses. Enjoy whatever you’ve been given. Yet, be mindful of your expenses, and remember a penny saved is a penny earned.

15. How about giving up being messy and untidy, and choosing to be organized instead? You may feel it doesn't matter if the floor isn’t mopped every day or if your workstation isn’t dusted daily. It does. Live in clean surroundings. You’ll attract positive energies. You’ll feel light and your mind will be de-cluttered.

16. Let go of painful memories associated with events, people or even yourself. Even if it means giving away some things of sentimental value to you, which no longer serve a purpose in your present life.

17. Travel a bit or a lot, depending on whatever suits your schedule, pocket, and energy levels. Experience a different aspect of the world and increase your circumference of understanding.

18. Save whatever you can, whether it’s electricity, water, food, or paper. Everything you save can be put into use for others who need it. Become the most environmentally conscious person you know.  

19. Is your mind judgemental, and filled with preconceived notions and concepts? If so, give them up. Give life a chance to happen. It may just surprise you!

All the best on your 2019 journey. Ensure that this season and the next one don’t fly by without implementing your ‘give up and let go’ list.

All of this is easy when you’re focused and have strong willpower. Often stress and demands can shake even the best of intentions. Don’t wait for that to happen. Commit yourself to a regular, self-building practice which will amplify your efforts. Sign up for the Happiness Program and discover more.

This article was previously published by Art of Living, India.