Are you ready to finish the year on a high note?
As the year winds down, it’s tempting to coast and leave new habits for January. But starting now can make a world of difference.
Small shifts in these final months can not only help you finish strong but also set the tone for an even better new year.
With this in mind, we get into some simple yet powerful habits to help you end the year feeling accomplished and energized!
1) Practicing mindfulness
In a world that’s always on the go, it’s easy to lose sight of the present. This is where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness is about living in the moment and accepting it without judgment. It’s about focusing on what’s happening right now, not what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow.
Now, you might wonder, how can mindfulness help you end the year on a high note?
Well, as noted by the folks at Help Guide, by practicing mindfulness, you can reduce stress, improve relationships, and improve your emotional well-being – all crucial ingredients for finishing the year in a positive way.
The best part is that you can incorporate mindfulness into your life in simple ways, from mindful eating to mindful walking or even spending a few minutes each day meditating.
2) Daily journaling
Now, this is something I’ve personally experienced the benefits of – Journaling.
It might seem old-fashioned in the digital age, but there’s something incredibly powerful about putting pen to paper. It’s a habit I’ve come to cherish as it helps me declutter my mind, reflect on my day and release any pent-up emotions.
I remember when I first started journaling, I was going through a particularly stressful period in my life. Each evening, I’d sit down with my journal and pour out my thoughts, fears, and hopes. It was cathartic and over time, it became an essential part of my daily routine.
As Freud once said: “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” Journaling allows you to do just that. If you’re looking for a habit that can help you gain clarity and finish the year feeling more in control, give it a shot.
3) Regular self-care
With the year coming to a close, it’s easy to let self-care slip down the priority list. However, taking time for yourself is one of the best ways to finish the year feeling balanced and recharged.
According to experts, regular self-care has numerous benefits, from improved self-esteem to increased happiness and greater productivity.
Personally, I make self-care a non-negotiable part of my week. Sometimes, it’s a quiet morning with a book and a cup of coffee, a long walk in nature, or even just a few minutes of stretching to decompress.
For you, it could be anything from a soothing bath, dedicating time to a hobby you love, or simply unplugging from technology for a while.
The key is finding what genuinely brings you peace and joy.
One thing I recommend is to set a specific time for self-care each week — whether it’s every morning, an hour on Sundays, or a few minutes before bed. Making it a scheduled part of your routine ensures it’s never overlooked, and helps you build a consistent habit that you can carry into the new year.
So go ahead — find a way to carve out that “me time” and watch how it shifts your mood and energy.
4) Practice gratitude
When was the last time you paused to appreciate the little things in life?
In the midst of busy schedules and year-end to-dos, it’s easy to focus on what’s lacking rather than what’s going well.
But practicing gratitude can be a game-changer. As noted by the folks at the Mayo Clinic, “Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and risk of disease.”
Simply put, feeling thankful can have a profound impact on both your mental and physical well-being.
It’s no wonder many successful people credit gratitude as a key to their achievements. Icons like Arianna Huffington, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey have all spoken about the transformative power of gratitude in their daily routines.
Incorporating gratitude into your day is simple. It could be as easy as writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning, sharing something you appreciate with a friend, or mentally listing the positive moments before going to bed.
Start small, and you’ll be amazed at how this shift in mindset can help you end the year on a brighter, more fulfilled note.
5) Daily exercise
You knew this was coming, right?
Exercise is one of those habits that everyone knows is good for them, yet it often gets pushed aside. But getting your body moving every day can have an incredible impact on how you finish the year.
According to Healthline, regular exercise helps manage weight, boosts mood, increases energy levels, and even improves your skin health — and the list goes on.
For me, daily exercise doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. It can be a morning yoga session, a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or a quick workout at home.
The point is to find a form of movement that you enjoy and can commit to consistently. Even if it’s just 20-30 minutes a day, the benefits go beyond physical health.
So, lace up those sneakers, roll out your yoga mat, or hit play on that workout video — and make moving your body a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
The bottom line
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to make small yet impactful changes that can set you up for a strong finish.
The beauty of these habits is that they don’t require drastic lifestyle changes — just a bit of intention and consistency. By incorporating even a few of them into your daily routine, you’ll be amazed at how much more accomplished, calm, and energized you’ll feel as you head into the new year.
So, don’t wait for January to start fresh. Embrace these habits now, and finish the year on the highest note possible! You’ve got this.