Ah, January! Forever known as the month of new beginnings. Starting back at zero gives you a brand new chance to change your life. Albeit, January can be the most confusing month of the year. Do you start something new, or wrap up everything from the previous year? After all, nothing was done during the holidays. Some take this time to plot the best course-of-action for the year. Others hit the ground running.
As someone whose New Year preparations consisted of throwing away all the wrapping paper; I find myself itching to make a change in my life as I work to conclude my 2019. After giving it a significant amount of thought, I came up with five little ways you can change your life this month. Unlike resolutions, the majority of these changes can be achieved promptly.
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1. Buy a statement piece for your room
Try and shake up the same old, same old. If a part of your room looks empty, fill it with a large statement piece. Purchase an art piece or a few plants and fill the void. Last week I added four new plants to my room. Now my dresser is home to two plants, one cactus, and several succulents. Plants may not be your thing, so may I suggest some wall art…
One website that I stumbled across also sells bundles of photos for you to place together in a collage. Each kit consists of 150, high-quality and cohesive pictures and quotes. Check them out at shoptezza.com.
PRO TIP: Rearranging your room will also do the trick. Make sure to really plan out the new layout before moving furniture around though. Consider everything: lighting, positions of the outlets, etc.
2. Change your hair(color/style)
What better way to change your life than to change your hair. A new hairstyle can make you feel like a brand new person. This month go to the hair salon or DIY, and update your look. Go for something more permanent. Although an updo is cute, the feeling of change only lasts until the pins come out. Step out of your comfort zone and try a new hair color. I dare you to chop off a few inches 😜.
Coco Chanel said it best:
3. Sell or donate your clothes and buy a new wardrobe
New Year, New Wardrobe! Or however the saying goes. Buying new clothes always excites, but what is the point of a new blouse if you pair it with a skirt you have owned for two years?
Understandably, selling your entire clothes collection takes time and effort. You also may not want to part with some pieces. I recommend sorting your clothes into three piles: keep, sell, toss. Check all clothes for sizing, rips, and stains. Toss the ones in bad condition. Sell all the clothes that you no longer fit in or no longer wear. With the money you earn, begin rebuilding your wardrobe.
Check this article for instructions on how to build a minimalist wardrobe: How to Dress Better with the Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge
4. Use a different scent in your house
Scents contain memories. By changing the typical scents in your home, you can begin forming new memories and set the attitude for the New Year. Change the laundry detergent scent that you use. Light a different candle. Pick a different shower gel when you go shopping. All these changes can bring a sense of newness to your life. For a continuous scent, I recommend a diffuser or automatic air freshener.
5. Switch it up, change your life
Out of all the items in this list, number five is the easiest to accomplish. Requiring little to no financial investment on your part, you can begin implementing these changes immediately. Take the time this month to break bad habits or modify them in a way that boosts your day. Try a few simple switches:
- Avid coffee drinker? Drink tea instead.
- Even better: keep a water bottle near you and drink whenever you get distracted or bored.
- For the student: study in a new area. Try a coffee shop or a local library.
- Start eating in more. Scroll through my Food board for homemade meal inspiration.
Yay, you made it to the end. Let me know in the comments if you decide to implement one of these small changes. You can also share a picture using the hashtag #fivelittleways on Instagram. Cheers to a successful New Year!
