I am always one for self-improvement. I am constantly trying to expand my knowledge, improve my health and try new things. I’ve been doing some research thanks to Pinterest, and have found a lot of inspiration for self-improvement. If you don’t like the phrase “self-improvement,” look at it more as “self-growth” because we are growing as individuals daily. Anyways, here are some of the things I have started to do, or plan to do before the year is up.
- Getting Active
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Okay, I know you hear this one all the time, but hear me out this time. I’ve tried in the past to only go to the gym or workout at home, but what I’ve found is that I enjoy combining both. I do my personalized ab-workout at home, and I focus on cardio machines at the gym. I personally like using the elliptical and stairs, then cool down on the treadmill. I’m not a runner, so this type of cardio suits me, but I feel that by choosing a few key things that you want to do, it makes the gym way less intimidating. If you have no idea how to start, I highly recommend Pinterest, it’s my go-to.
- Taking Better Care of Your Skin
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I’ll be honest, this one is still a work in progress for me because I can never seem to remember my exact skincare routine or to drink enough water. I haven’t been much for skincare routines, so I found a face wash that I like and can use in the shower, which is way less work for me. As for drinking enough water, I want to try to mark out how much water I want to have consumed by certain times of the day. This helps to keep me on track for the total amount of water I should be drinking every day.
- Try New Makeup Looks
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If you’re tired of the same old routine you do, or you’re like me and you’re not well-versed in makeup, I recommend trying something new. You can start with something simple or go for something bold. There are countless videos and pictures on YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest for some inspiration.
- Testing Out a New Hairstyle
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I was so excited to do this. You may be like me and get tired of the same hairdo all the time. For me, it was time for a change. I’m not in the financial position to go out and get a new do but there are other options to change. There are quizzes out there to help you figure out your face shape, and based on your results, it recommends ways to part your hair and how to style it to best suit your face. My result recommended trying a middle part with a wavy style, which is nice for me because my hair is naturally wavy. So far, I have gotten so many compliments, and I love my new hairstyle.
- Find Your Distinct Style
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I find this one to be the most fun. This is where you can experiment with the clothes you already have. I use Pinterest regularly for outfit inspiration, and I also watch a lot of Youtube videos about clothing hauls or thrifting. One of my favorites to watch is “Haley’s Corner.” She is all about thrifting, and she gives tips on how to find really good pieces at the thrift store. Once you figure out which style fits you best, get rid of clothes that don’t fit the bill and then donate them or sell them for some extra cash. Then, go to the store with a specific list of what you are looking for. I also recommend finding cool accessories that you can wear every day to spice up the simplest of outfits.
- Read More Books
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Nowadays, reading is so underrated. Most people I talk to don’t read for fun at all and that saddens me. I love reading! I use it as an escape and as a way to use my imagination. I can read about anything and there are so many ways to read a book, whether it be the book itself, an audiobook or a digital book. It’s waiting for you right at your fingertips. I have started reading before bed instead of being on my phone, and I have made it a goal to read four or five books by the end of the year. That may not sound like a lot, but this allows me to read at my own pace while balancing work, school and friends.
- Meditating
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This is another good one if you’re looking for a way to relax and clear your head. I have recently started using the app “Insight Timer,” which my mom recommended to me. It can help you with anything from sleeping better to improving relationships. I highly recommend checking it out!
- Bullet Journaling
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I know I have mentioned Pinterest a lot in this article, but I truly use it all the time and think everyone should too. I came across bullet journaling on Pinterest and immediately fell in love. There are also YouTube videos for inspiration. I really want to start doing this because it is a way to be creative and organized at the same time, which is something that I need in my life!
I hope some of these things on the this inspire you to try something new!