Easy New Year’s Resolutions: Wellbeing Hacks “Stolen” From Our Lead Advisor
Here at Mirus Planning, fostering connections with our clients goes beyond transactions; we strive to help enrich their lives. One of the cornerstones of our office culture is optimizing wellbeing for peak performance. In the midst of our team, we’re fortunate to have a remarkable leader, Chad, whose knowledge extends far beyond his expertise in financial planning. Chad effortlessly imparts nuggets of wisdom throughout the day, offering invaluable tips that transcend conventional office discussions. His offhand mentions of personal practices frequently serve as inspiration for my own self-improvement journey.
As we approach the new year seeking impactful yet easy-to-implement resolutions, the following are my favorite hacks — “stolen” from our esteemed lead advisor, curated to build momentum for wins in 2024.
Sleeping Phone Free
Chad has a unique sleep routine — he puts his phone in a separate room and schedules a sun lamp to turn on in the morning as his alarm. Upon overhearing him mention this, I knew I had to try it, as I occasionally have trouble falling asleep. Although initially daunting, detaching from my phone at night has been a game changer in terms of the quality of my rest and energy levels throughout the day. The reduced exposure to blue light helps regulate melatonin levels, and distancing oneself from constant notifications fosters mental relaxation, leading to more restful nights and improved daytime productivity. Finally, I love the feeling of waking up, remembering I'm a human, and having a calm and focused start to the day instead of immediately succumbing to the storm of emails, messages, and notifications upon first opening my eyes.
Greek Yogurt
Almost every day, I see Chad eat plain Greek yogurt for lunch. Yes, only plain Greek yogurt, straight from the tub! Packed with probiotics, protein and calcium, this versatile meal choice bolsters gut health, bone health, enhances immunity and boosts metabolism. My personal touch involves adding local honey and granola for the perfect afternoon snack. Whether enjoying it plain or adding toppings, incorporating Greek yogurt into our diets fosters a path to improved health and vitality.
Journaling
Another tip I gleaned from Chad’s daily routine is journaling. The act of journaling each day has allowed me to track the past, order the present, and design the future. Taking the time to write and reflect cultivates mindfulness, allowing space to process thoughts, emotions, and wishes. It serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, stress reduction, and personal growth. The method I use is called Bullet Journaling, which allows me to track tasks, goals, events, and ideas in one place. Other items I'm tracking include sleep, what I'm grateful for, and my daily focus (resting, yoga, dancing, studying, social connection).
Bonus: Learning A New Language
While not “stolen” from Chad but equally beneficial, learning a new language comes with an array of health benefits such as stimulating neural pathways, improving memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Studies suggest multilingualism may delay age related cognitive decline and enhance multitasking abilities. Moreover, embracing a new language often fosters cultural appreciation, broadening perspectives, and promoting empathy. In today’s technology-driven world, acquiring a new language has become more accessible than ever, just requiring a few minutes daily to dedicate to each bite-sized lesson. I’ve been using Duolingo (available via mobile app or web) to learn Russian, and after almost 200 days of daily learning, I can read the Cyrillic alphabet and make basic sentences! As an added benefit, learning on Duolingo has been a great alternative to endless scrolling of news/social media, which we are all aware slowly robs us of our souls.
We invite you to explore these simple yet transformative habits to bolster your wellbeing and elevate your daily life. Have you considered trying any of these practices, or perhaps have already incorporated some into your routine? Share your thoughts and experiences with us — we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to a more enriched and productive year ahead!
Best regards,
Maily Wirks
Lead Financial Planning Assistant
