While ringing in the New Year may involve less confetti and more contemplation this year, the hope and promise of a fresh start remains the same. But all the best intentions in the world won’t make sticking to resolutions any easier this year. In fact, just seven percent of Americans reported sticking to all of their resolutions (while 19 percent managed to hold onto some but not all of their plans for the new year), according to a 2019 poll by YouGov.
According to many experts, the key to making big changes is altering everyday behaviors. So instead of shooting for the stars and then losing motivation early, check out these six daily habits you can change right now and stick to for weeks, months, and years to come.
1. Ditch the Annoying Phone Alarm and Wake up to Your Favorite Tunes Instead
How you wake up sets the tone for your day and if it’s with a shrill alarm sound from your phone, well, it doesn’t bode well. A study from Australia found that waking up to a melodic alarm—as in actual music you’d choose to listen to any other time of day—led to a better transition from sleep to wakefulness. Respondents who woke to musical alarms noted less grogginess than those who used traditional (i.e. annoying) alarm noises. Before bed tonight, tell your smart speaker to play your current favorite song at your desired wake-up time, and you’re guaranteed at least one thing to look forward to.