Make 2022 Your BEST Year Ever

The start of a new year is a favorite for many people! It often feels like you are finishing one chapter, and turning the page to start another fresh chapter. With this 'fresh start' can come resolutions, new hobbies and building new habits. Right now, the new year has potential to be your best year yet!

We've come up with a list of 8 new habits and resolutions that will bring more laughter, fun, memories and good times to your family this upcoming year!

Embrace self-love and STOP negative self-talk! It's no secret that we can be our own worst critics and that loving yourself can be tough! Learning to silence the negative voices that bring you down will allow you to thrive in your environment, and set an outstanding example for the friends, family and/or children around you! In 2022, accept yourself for who you are (flaws and all), and watch your life change!
Practice daily gratitude! It's way too easy to get caught up in the business, the negative, the tantrums and the hustle of it all and forget to savor the small moments. The small moments are what life is all about, though! At the end of every day take a minute to reflect on the good that happened - even if it was as simple as the super coffee you had, the triple turn you nailed, or the stellar outfit you rocked! If you really want to get into the spirit, write down what you're thankful for on paper, and put it in a jar. On January 31, 2022 read all of these back to yourself. It'll amaze you how much good happened that may have slipped your mind!
Spend more time outside! I know what you're thinking...'It's the middle of winter!!'. Even if it's just a couple of minutes or a few times a week, spending time in nature has been proven to have amazing health benefits for both adults and growing children! It lowers blood pressure and stress and is linked to higher levels of creativity and concentration. So, before you sit down at your desk, tap into your next class or choreograph your next masterpiece, spend time slowing down and feel the peace and calm of the world all around us!
Practice Kindness! We love to recognize kindness at TDA, and even have a pin that we hand out to students to recognize their random acts. Being empathetic and compassionate to those around you, helping others in the community and using proper manners allows us to lead by example for those around us - and maybe even earn a pin!
Drink enough water and fuel your body! To keep your body running smoothly and your brain functioning at it's highest level, fuel your body with water and healthy snacks! Bring a water bottle to work, class or in the car with you and focus on whole, healthy foods that you enjoy to heat! A healthy lifestyle is all about balance, so don't forget to treat yourself to coffee bars, and bake sales too!
Listen to Music! Instead of turning on the TV or scrolling through Social Media, turn on some music and watch it elevate your mood! Music is proven to reduce stress, stimulate memories and increase happiness! Plus, it's always great to dance, too!
Make time for self care! If you want to reduce stress, anxiety and frustration, improve your overall happiness and increase your energy then self care is right for you! We all know that we can't pour from an empty cup, but it can be hard to put yourself first sometimes! Remind yourself through 2022, that you are the best version of yourself and best serve others when you take care of yourself first! Take bubble baths, get massages, enjoy your favorite foods or do whatever feels good for you, all in the name of self care!
Try something NEW! It's time to step out of our comfort zone and try something completely new! Maybe you'll discover a fun hobby or maybe you'll find your life passion! Learn how to garden, knit a blanket, try archery, go to a convention you've been nervous to try, perform a new genre solo or take a new style of dance class! If you want to grow as a person you can't stay the same, so it's time to step out of your comfort zone so you can shine center stage!

If you're looking to make a change in 2022, it's important to start small, build sustainable habits and be gentle with yourself. If you're not looking to change, then that's awesome too! As you're going through this upcoming year, don't forget...

“There is no one on Earth quite like you. No one can compare to you. Three questions: Do you realize how special you are? Do you believe how special you are? Do you demonstrate to the world how special you are? Don’t live your life trying to live someone else’s life. Be you!” - Clifton Anderson