2020 is a few days away! (Yeah, we can’t believe it either.) Prep for the start of a new decade by giving your wellness routine a makeover. But don’t worry, it won’t be painful – think of it as an opportunity to live a fuller, more vibrant life via 15 totally seamless tips. Settle down, add a scoop of our Collagen Peptides to your coffee and peek our checklist below.
Bonus: This list might even help you conquer some of your new year’s resolutions (and make them a little less daunting). Let's go – your best year awaits.
15 Things You Can Do Now for a Happier, Healthier 2020
1. Always Take Your Makeup Off Before Bed
It doesn’t matter how tired you are at night; you should always remove your makeup before bed.
Here’s why: “Skipping it can lead to oil and debris accumulating under your makeup and clogging your pores,” says Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist. “By removing your makeup, you will decrease the number of blackheads you get under your skin and also decrease comedonal or pustular acne as well.” Noted!
2. wear sunscreen year-round
This is one beauty resolution that should top your list each year. According to Dr. Green, sunscreen is the most important beauty product you can use on a daily basis: “It protects your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays."
Be sure to use it year-round as your skin needs protection from UV rays during the winter, too. And of course, as Dr. Green explains, besides hats and UV clothing, sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin. So, lather up!
3. Purchase cost-effective fitness equipment
Investing in your fitness journey doesn’t have to cost a fortune. David Kirsch, most famously known for working with Jennifer Lopez and Kate Upton, recommends purchasing low-cost (and versatile) gear to supplement your total-body workouts. A stability ball, medicine ball, hand weights and an exercise mat are on his must-buy list.
4. practice mindfulness
Nearly every mental health expert agrees that mindfulness can be extremely helpful for improving happiness. Deborah Norris, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and psychologist, explains how to reap its benefits.
“When individuals are feeling anxiety and worry, these are both associated with a non-present state of mind,” she explains. “As in worrying about what has been or what may be yet-to-come. Mindfulness practices such as meditation induce present-minded awareness, helping to lessen feelings of anxiety or helplessness and increase feelings of empowerment. Results will vary for different individuals, but the important factors are consistency and paying attention to what works for you. Some may see benefit from a one-hour practice twice a week while others might need a daily practice, even several times a day, for shorter lengths of time.”
5. add flavor to your water
Never fall behind on your hydration goals! Water can get boring after a while, so opting for a little flavor boost is key. Vital Proteins Collagen Water™ – available in Lemon Slice, Blueberry Mint, Peach White Tea, Strawberry Lemon, Blueberry Mint, and Blackberry Hibiscus – is a deliciously hydrating way to get your water intake. Plus, each serving contains 10g of collagen and 3g of sugar or less. Amazing.
6. schedule self-care
Ask yourself: When was the last time you added relaxation time to your daily planner?
“Most of us schedule out the things we don’t like (work, meetings, dental appointments) but do the things that make us happy ‘on the fly.’ The result is that we often don’t end up doing the good things. Schedule out the things that make you happy. Not only will you be more likely to do them, but you’ll have them to look forward to,” counselor David Bennett explains.
7. Curate a Killer Workout Playlist
The best way to get in shape, according to Shakira and Kelly Ripa’s trainer, Anna Kaiser? Listen to upbeat music during your sweat sesh. The AKT trainer shared some of her picks, which ranges from “Work” by Iggy Azalea to “Mi Gente” by J. Balvin. “Music becomes the heartbeat of the workout and pushes everyone to keep going!” she tells Lively.
8. practice acceptance
Regardless of how much effort you make to bring happiness into your life, it’s unrealistic to expect to feel happy 100 percent of the time. When you feel sad, try sitting with your emotion. Acknowledge it, breathe through it and trust that it’s okay to feel sad and that you don’t need to change the feeling immediately.
“We can only experience happiness if we know sadness, anger, fear, and a host of other feelings humans experience. No one lives in a constant state of happiness 100 percent of the time,” says Dr. Nancy Irwin. “Validating all feelings and the fact that they are fleeting as opposed to fixed traits can allow one to be happier.”
9. Leave your phone alone at the gym
We get it: Taking mirror selfies and posting them on Instagram practically proves you got your workout in. But according to Mohamed Elzomor, who’s trained Ashley Graham and Michael B. Jordan, practicing mindfulness at the gym is what matters most. “I was able to get more out of every single rep, simply because of the unwavering focus I had throughout my workouts,” the NYC-based trainer tells Lively of putting his phone away. He adds: “I got stronger, not just physically, but mentally as well. Life is about being in the moment, regardless of what you are doing.”
10. Laugh More
Erin Stair, MD, MPH, and the founder of Blooming Wellness, suggests doing laughter exercises or trying a laughter yoga club. “Laughing, even ‘fake’ laughter boosts endorphins and it’s also a form of progressive muscle relaxation,” she says.
11. buy a coffee for a stranger
When going through the drive-thru at a Starbucks, have you ever stopped to consider how nice it would be to secretly pay for the person behind you? Or, while standing in line for a coffee, have you ever considered purchasing the order of the person next to you? Hypnotherapist and life coach Melissa DaSilva recommends doing just that.
“Random acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but you as well,” she says.
12. Do One Kind Thing Every Day
This is what we call a ‘Positive Activity Intervention.’” Dr. Erin Stair explains to Lively. “Small acts of charity help cultivate feelings of gratitude and subsequently happiness. Charity doesn’t have to be a huge, complex endeavor. Charity starts at home and can be small, kind, every-day acts.”
13. Make Beauty Sleep a Priority
Another way you can go the extra mile for your skin is getting enough Zzz’s each night. “Sleep is the time our body reprises itself on every level, including our skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Roberta Del Campo. Additionally, “lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, which can wreak havoc on our skin,” he adds.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, Vital Proteins Sleep Collagen Shots might be just what your bedtime routine needs. Made with a blend of blueberry and lavender flavors and other purpose-driven functional ingredients like snooze-inducing melatonin, GABA and magnesium, this Collagen Shot helps support a restful night’s sleep.** Looking for a cozy nighttime beverage that will deliver similar feelings of relaxation? Reach for our Blueberry Moon Milk Collagen Latte™ -- just add hot water, mix and enjoy!
14. Aim for a Clutter-Free Space
Cluttered environments may lead to higher levels of stress – which would be the opposite of what your zen space would represent. It would be important to keep this space clean and not cluttered. While you can make this space as elaborate as you choose, a minimalist approach would be an ideal way to avoid clutter.
15. Change up your eating plan
As the famous saying goes, abs are made in the kitchen. You can train hard but if your diet still mainly consists of junk food, you won’t experience many changes. Heather Marr, a trainer with an A-list roster of supermodel-clients, shared her clean eating meal plan with Lively. A few notable meals: Chicken and veggie stir fry and chili. Yum!