GREAT HABITS TO PICK UP IN A NEW YEAR

2020 FLEW by, and it's safe to say we're ready for 2021.

It’s definitely time for a fresh start. Even if you’re not the type of person who usually makes New Year’s resolutions, 2020 might have been enough to make you ready for sweeping change. 

If you’re looking for ways to make the year ahead better for yourself and others, we’ve got a few suggestions. Work on these three habits over the next year and you’ll wrap up the year feeling better!

Eat Less Sugar

Sugar is risky. 

It’s linked to:

• Inflammation
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke

It wreaks havoc on your brain, mood regulation, skin, joints, and more.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to improve your health in 2021, shrinking your sugar intake is an excellent resolution for you. 

This one simple change can help you lead a longer, healthier life.

And eating less sugar doesn’t have to be hard. There are countless low-sugar, great-tasting options out there (including JOJO’s Chocolate, of course!). With natural sweeteners and healthy, low-sugar treats like ours, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Shop Small

Everyone needs a little support this year, including small businesses. This year, you could choose to make a little extra effort each time you shop and, in doing so, make a tremendous difference.

The next time you’re doing a project around the house, check your local hardware store before you hit the big box home improvement stores. When you need a hostess or birthday gift, shop your local boutiques first.

Another great way to shop small and support your own health at the same time is to hit your local farmers’ market. You’ll be supporting local growers, which means supporting your community. You’ll get in-season food, which is generally more nutritious and better-tasting. And because anything you buy at a farmers’ market was produced locally, you’re reducing the amount of shipping involved, lowering your carbon footprint. Not bad, right?

Use Your Phone Less

The average American uses their phone for about three and a half hours every day. That’s a lot of time. Like, a lot. 

Think about what you could do with three hours every day. You could learn a language. You could break your running PR or finally nail that yoga arm balance. You could call all the friends you’ve been missing. You could spend quality time with your kids. You could keep your house clean. You could cook amazing meals — and clean up afterward — without feeling rushed. 

You get the idea. 

Realistically, none of us are going to go from using our phones for 3+ hours each day to none. But using your phone a little less could make a big difference. 

Want to take this resolution for a spin? Here are a few tips to make it less tempting to pick up your phone. 

• Turn off push notifications
• Change your screen to grayscale
• Leave it in another room overnight
• Designate phone-free hours, like family dinner time
• Only check time-sucking sites like Facebook and Instagram on your computer
• Wear a watch
• Leave the house without your phone on occasion

You’ve got this! Start working on these better-for-you habits and 2021 will be your year.