100 ways TO BE THE BEST YOU!
Forget strict New Year’s resolutions, these hacks are simple and effective
wellness 1 GET YOUR NOSE INTO A BOOK!
Reading has been proven to improve your brain function, increase knowledge and sharpen your memory. Find something you’re interested in and get reading!
2 STRETCH IT OUT
Stretching for as little as five minutes a day can boost blood circulation and increase mobility. The optimal time to stretch is in the morning, so it’s a great idea to make this a part of your dailyroutiney.
3 INTRODUCE SPF
Not only does it protect your skin, wearing sunscreen or a foundation containing SPF can also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
4 LAUGH MORE
There are endless health benefits associated with laughing
– it relaxes the body, releases endorphins and can even boost your immune system!
5 VOLUNTEER FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Many of us use the excuse of being time-poor, but putting your energy towards helping those in need can enlighten both your own life and someone else’s.
6 SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!
Introducing more spices to your meals such as turmeric, cinnamon and garlic can lower inflammation and help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
7 GET YOUR GROOVE ON
Create a playlist brimming with upbeat songs to get you motivated!
8 ORGANISE FAMILY ACTIVITY NIGHTS
Our busy schedules can often limit the time we get to spend with our loved ones. Schedule an activity every month, such as a themed movie night or cooking a meal and enjoy quality time together.
9 OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
The new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn something in more than six months to a year, it might be time to part ways. Donating your clothes to a shelter can help someone who needs it more than you.
10 LISTEN TO AN UPLIFTING PODCAST
Living in a world of constant content streaming means there are endless podcasts available. Our top pick is The Michelle Obama Podcast, where the former First Lady explores relationships and human connection through conversations with guests.
11 LIMIT SCREEN TIME
Whether it’s having a designated screen-free day of the week or one every month, set a goal and make it a mini digi detox! It’s a great idea to get the whole family involved as well.
12 GET WRITING
Buy a diary or planner and actually use it. Jotting down plans or appointments can help you remember your busy schedule instead of solely relying on memory.
13 LEARN A NEW SKILL
You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which can be a great mood booster, and some skills can even help you save money. Taking up a hobby such as sewing can help you save on alteration costs.
14 SWITCH TO A STAND-UP DESK
Investing in a stand-up desk will keep you fitter and can even improve mood as well as productivity!
15 MAKE A TO-DO LIST EACH DAY
This is handy for any procrastinators (which is most of us!) and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for each task you complete.
16 START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Setting time aside to reflect and write down what you’re grateful for can elevate your mood and shift your mindset towards a more positive one.
17 LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Duolingo is a free app and offers 40 languages, while Beelinguapp is perfect for bookworms and helps you acquire a new language by reading and listening to audiobooks.
18 START A NEW COURSE!
It’s never too late to begin or return to study, and with so many flexible online courses on offer, the choices are endless. TAFE offers an expansive list of courses, or a private college could be your answer if you’re wanting something more niche.
19 MAKE FAMILY PRIORITY
After a tough year it’s important to reach out to loved ones who may be feeling lonely. Schedule in a monthly visit to someone who may need it. Facetime and Zoom are great alternatives for relatives who live further away.
20 TURN UP THE HEAT
Just 25 minutes of sexual activity can burn up to 1000 calories and is sure to get the endorphins pumping. If you find it hard to make time with your partner, why not set time aside for the act by blocking it out in your calendar.
21 STOP HITTING SNOOZE…
This disrupts your deep REM sleep and will leave you feeling less rested and groggy when you do rise, making your shut-eye sessions completely p y counter-productive.
22 …OR MOVE IT AWAY!
If you can’t resist the snooze button, try putting your alarm clock or phone on the other side of your bedroom, forcing you to get up to turn off your alarm.
23 JOIN A BOOK CLUB!
Not only will you reap the benefits that come with reading more, but it’s a great way to meet likeminded individuals
24 START THE DAY RIGHT
Stop skipping breakfast and begin your day with a protein-packed serve of eggs and fibre-rich wholegrain toast. This will help keep you full through to lunch, meaning you can avoid snacking during the morning.
25 PRACTISE DEEP BREATHING
This slows down your heart rate, and ultimately signals the brain to wind down. It also decreases cortisol levels and increases the release of endorphins in the body. Make sure you stop throughout your day and take moments to breathe deeply.
26 ENJOY YOUR TRAVEL TIME
Make your commute more enjoyable by listening to a hilarious podcast or audiobook.
27 BE POSITIVE
Build resilience with daily mantras such as “I choose to use failure as a learning opportunity”. By anticipating and preparing for setbacks you can bounce back quicker and stronger.
28 CONSTANT PRAISE
Try rewarding yourself throughout your journey, rather than just when you achieve something. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated for longer.
29 QUICK REMINDERS
Set alarms on your phone throughout the day as triggers to remind yourself of the goals you’re working towards. These triggers will help you stay on track.
30 START YOUR YEAR IN FEBRUARY
By expecting too much of yourself in January you can become disappointed. Use the start of the year to recover from the festive period, then get cracking on your resolutions in February.
31 TASK MASTER
If you struggle to stay focused, try the Pomodoro Technique. Break your work day into 25 minute chunks, separated by five-minute breaks. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-20 minutes.
32 BE POSITIVE
Daily affirmations can be useful in reminding yourself who you want to be. For example, “I act right now like the person I dream of becoming.”
33 HABIT STACK
If you want healthy habits to stick, try linking or chaining actions together to create a routine. Within this one routine, you stack or link multiple minihabits, like getting out of bed and making it.
34 ASK FOR HELP
Train yourself to see asking for help as a strength rather than a weakness.
35 REALITY CHECK
Stop looking for a secret trick – there is no miraculous shortcut to being a better version of you.
36 10-YEAR TEST
When something goes wrong, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 10 years?” Chances are it won’t, so don’t sweat the small stuff.
Health
37 WALK EVERY DAY
Not only does this keep you fit but is extremely beneficial for your mental health. Every step counts – even if it’s just down the road to reward yourself with a coffee from your local barista!
38 SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SUN
Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight. Increasing your vitamin D intake can reduce your risk of developing bone diseases. Plus, it can even help those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
39 KEEP FIT IN NEW WAYS
There are endless exercise tutorials on Youtube. Find something you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go!
40 SCHEDULE EXERCISE TIME
You only need roughly 30 minutes of regular exercise a day to keep fit. If time is your problem, break it up and schedule in a 15-minute walk in the morning and another one in the afternoon.
41 DRINK TEA
Not only is it superhydrating but there are endless health benefits. Green tea can help boost
metabolism and echinacea is g greatt for cold or flu symptoms.
42 KEEP HYDRATED
We should be drinking on average around two litres of water per day. Try using a water bottle with measurements to make monitoring your intake easier!
43 GO DARK
Make the switch to dark chocolate – not only is it delicious but also super-nutritious! It’s rich in antioxidants and has a load of proven health benefits, such as minimising the risk of heart disease and it can even help prevent memory loss. Experts recommend choosing a bar that is 70 per cent cacao.
44 WORK OUT FIRST THING
Aim to exercise first thing in the morning. When we work out, the serotonin hormone is released, so you’re much more likely to feel rejuvenated and motivated for the rest of your day.
45 CUT DOWN CAFFEINE
Minimising your caffeine intake in small ways can make a big difference. Try switching to decaf, brew black tea for shorter periods or cut down to one caffeinated drink per day.
46 STOP EATING IN FRONT OF A SCREEN
You’re more likely to overeat if your attention is focused elsewhere. Enjoy meals in a more mindful way, whether it’s outside in the fresh air or with company.
47 SNACK SMART
Switch up your habits and place unhealthy nibbles in a drawer or on the top or bottom shelf of your fridge. Have your healthy snacks at eye level and chances are you’ll reach for those first.
48 HAVE MORE BATHS
Proven to have great health benefits, baths can help relax your muscles, elevate your mood and help you sleep better.
49 WEIGHTING AROUND
Have a pair of weights ready to use in your car. This way you can fit in a mini strength session at any time, like while waiting to pick up the kids from an after-school activity!
50 TAKE THE STAIRS
If you’re able to, switch out your usual elevator or escalator ride and take the stairs instead. Incidental exercise is great for keeping you fit and doing this each day can add up to big results!
51 DITCH THE DIET!
They may see you achieve your weight-loss goals in the short-term, but diets are rarely sustainable long-term. Look for easy swaps you can make to achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
52 GO WITH YOUR GUT
Your gut is home to the microbiome, thought to help modulate everything from immunity to mental health. Take care of yours with fibre-rich foods, fermented food and drinks and probiotics.
53 BE ALCOHOL AWARE
The health risks with excessive drinking are well-documented. But if you don’t feel like cutting out booze altogether, limit yourself to just a few drinks per week, and alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water when you do drink.
54 RAINBOW EATING
Have fun and get experimental with eating healthy! Try to get every colour of the rainbow onto your plate.
55 VEG OUT
Try replacing at least one meat-focused meal a week with something vegetarian.
Homes 56 PLANT POWER
Bring more plants inside to help naturally purify your air. If you have pets, always check your plants are animal-friendly animal- first!
57 REST EASY
Make sure you regularly replace old pillows – they can harbour germs and bacteria!
58 DITCH DIRT
Add doormats on both the inside and outside of your front door. Up to 80 per cent of dirt that gets tracked inside can be caught with a double length of washable matting.
59 HEALTHY HOME
Dry-cleaning tip – remove your garment from its plastic bag before entering the house so any residual solvents like perchlorethylene (a suspected carcinogen) can evaporate. Alternatively, look up organic dry-cleaning services near you.
60 SHOES OFF
Make it a habit to start leaving your shoes at the front door. This will prevent germs being traipsed through your house.
61 MAINTAIN YOUR FRIDGE
Change your fridge filters before their expiration date. If your fridge comes with a water dispenser, change the filter every six months before sediment starts to build up.
62 COLOUR-CODE YOUR KEYS
Paint your keys different colours. This works wonders if you struggle to find the right one when they all look similar and is a great time-saver.
63 GREEN CLEAN
Swap harsh chemical-based cleaning products for natural ones that cause less irritation to your lungs. Or, make your own with common household products like white vinegar and bicarb soda.
64 DUST BUSTER
Opt for washable curtains and throw them in the machine regularly to prevent build-up of dust, pet dander and other allergen-causing particles.
65 FRESHEN UP
Decant your pet’s kibble and dry food into resealable, reusable containers. This will prevent unwanted attention from bugs and keep it fresh for longer.
66 ESSENTIAL REMINDER
Check all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep track of when your next check is due in your phone by setting a calendar reminder.
67 BED BOOSTER
If you’ve had your mattress for a long time but don’t want to fork out for a new one, simply flip it! It’s a quick hack to make it as comfortable as the day you brought it home and can lead to a better night’s sleep.
Finance 68 DIY DELISH EATS
Try making your favourite restaurant or takeaway food at home. There are countless recipes online that mimic beloved meals, so try to master them yourself. It’s great for saving money, and you might even learn a new skill!
69 PREP STAR
To avoid the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question, set time aside and plan your meals for the week. This minimises your chance of overspending too, because you’ll only buy the ingredients you need.
70 CANCEL UNUSED SERVICES
Living in the world of streaming, we may find ourselves oversubscribing
to services we don’t even use. Go through your monthly transactions and highlight any you aren’t using. Remember – if you really miss it, you can always subscribe again but it’s worth saving money in the meantime.
71 FOCUSED FOOD SHOP
Order your groceries online to save you time and jostling with other shoppers. Have a list ready and search for the products you need. This way you won’t be tempted by y any unnecessary items!
72 SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY
Put aside money for emergencies. Life is all about unexpected expenses and it’s always good to be prepared for events such as vet visits or car problems.
73 ADD TO CART
When shopping online, pop your goods in a cart and wait a day or two and see if you still want it. This is a great way to work out if something is an impulse buy. Chances are you’ll forget about it and save yourself a few extra bucks!
74 BE REALISTIC
Set small money goals. Often times we set too big of a goal, but by setting achievable ones each week, you’re more likely to stick with it. Start by aiming to save a certain amount a week and slowly build this up to a bigger amount over time.
75 CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS
There are often tiny mistakes you may not have noticed. For example, an item might have been scanned twice. Go through your receipts after each shop to ensure there are no errors.
76 GROW YOUR OWN
Planting your own herbs and vegetables will save you bucketloads of money, plus you’ll know they’re fresh! Seedling packs are available to buy for as low as $2!
77 SAVVY SHOP
Be mindful and check the cost per unit rather than the sale price when shopping.
78 PURCHASE PROOF
Hold onto old receipts for a few months, especially for big purchases. This will ensure an easy return or exchange if needed.
79 BE ORGANISED
File away all your manuals and warranties in one clear folder. If something breaks or goes wrong, you’ll know exactly where to look for it.
80 FILL THE FREEZER
Cook food in bigger batches and store leftovers in the freezer. This saves money on takeaways, and can help you make healthier diet choices, too. Simply double recipe quantities when cooking.
81 INVESTIGATE INVESTING
Make this the year you start investing. Some good places to start are index funds and ETFS, but be sure to do your research first.
82 DECLUTTER
Earn some extra cash by selling things around the house you no longer use or need.
Gardening 83 LEAFY LOVE
Don’t let the summer heat wilt your beloved plants. Set a reminder on your phone to water them – remember, they need to stay hydrated, too!
84 QUIRKY POT
Use empty citrus peel as a pot plant. Not only is this eco-friendly, also it’s super easy. Simply hollow out the citrus of your choice and fill it with potting mix, then add seeds and water.
85 PEST CONTROL
Use coffee grounds as a natural pesticide to keep away slugs, snails or any other pests that may be lurking in your garden.
86 SPACE SAVER
Arrange your plants on a ladder planter to save space. This decor idea works for both indoors and outside.
87 SMART HACK
Re-use takeaway coffee cups as a watering can for indoor plants. The hole in the lid is the perfect size for watering and doesn’t make a mess!
88 CUT & DRIED
Get back to basics and try drying your own herbs instead of buying pre-packaged from the store.
Sustainability 89 BUY LOCAL
Support your community by shopping small. Attend nearby farmers markets to develop a sense of community in your neighbourhood and help support suppo t local artisans.
90 WATER WISE
Collect rainwater to nourish your thirsty indoor plants.
91 H20 RE-USE
Save the leftover water from boiling vegetables and cooking pasta to keep your plants hydrated.
92 FREE RIDE
If you can, start riding a bike to work. Not only is it great exercise, it means less cars on the road. If you can’t cycle all the way, ride to a train station then use public transport?
93 BAG LADY
Put a reusable bag inside your handbag so you’re never caught short.
94 START A COMPOST!
Not only will this help reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, it will also give you a sense of purpose by contributing to something greater than yourself.
95 LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Swap your light globes for LED globes. It will save you money on replacing them so often, plus you’ll help the planet, too.
96 SAFE WORD
Get into the habit of changing your passwords every six months or sooner! This is a great way to keep you and your family safe.
97 CLEAR THE JUNK
Have a digital detox by going through your email inbox and unsubscribing from marketing newsletters.
98 DITCH BUSY DESKTOPS
Sort out your computer by deleting items and programs you don’t use. Next, go through and create folders so everything can be easily accessed. For a zen desktop, swap the background of your grandchild or dog for a plain one so it’s easier to see what you’re looking for.
99 PIC FLICK
Digitally sort out your photos by date or event and delete those that are unclear or not important. This will help save memory space on your computer, too.
100 PUSH IT
Turn off push notifications on your phone. The ding alert can cause a high in our brains, which in turn leads our minds to crave it.