5 Things I’m Doing to Jumpstart the New Year

5 Ways to Jumpstart the New Year | Cobalt Chronicles | Washington, DC | Style Blog

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  I really tried to unplug over my hiatus this past week and reflect on 2017 while looking forward to the new year.  I’m not big on new year’s resolutions, although I do make personal and professional goals for each new year.

With that said, I am committing to five specific things this January to help jumpstart the year!  As I was thinking about this post, I realized that all five have to loosely do with health and living a better, more balanced life.  So maybe these five ways to jumpstart the new year are a little close to the cliche “get healthy” new year’s resolutions, but hopefully you can takeaway at least one idea on how you can jumpstart the new year for yourself!

Dry January

You may remember this post from last year when I first committed to doing a “dry January.”  If you’re not familiar, Dry January means that I’m committing to not consume any alcohol for the month of January.  I don’t typically drink that often during the week, although living in D.C. with its happy hour culture can make that challenging sometimes.  I do however drink on most weekends.  Last year I discovered a few really interesting things by completing one dry month (check out last year’s post to see what I learned!), so I’m excited to reset my body with an alcohol free January again this year and see what comes of it.

SoulCycle

If you follow along with me on Instagram Stories, you saw me mention that I’m committing to a more regular SoulCycle routine this year, especially during these first few months of the new year (to get me on the right track).  I became a big fan of SoulCycle in 2017 and tried to commit to making at least one class per week.  So when they reached out about partnering up to work together in 2018, I jumped at the chance.  I’m excited for this partnership and know it will help me to stay on track with my goal of maintaining a more regular SoulCycle routine.  With that said, I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of my SoulCycle journey with you over the next few months.

1/2 Marathon

Michael and I signed up for the Rock n Roll half-marathon here in D.C.  The race is in March and training started this past weekend.  We ran this same race two years ago.  This will be my fourth half-marathon to run (I’ve run one full marathon), and although I fell off my long distance running game in 2017, I’m excited to be getting back into it.  There’s nothing like signing up for a half to get you moving again!

No Gel Manicures

This one might seem random, but during the last part of 2017 I was getting gel manicure after gel manicure.  If you’re not familiar, gel manicures tear up your natural nails.  My nails looked so bad right before Christmas that I decided to go at least one month (January) without getting a gel manicure.  I’m hoping in that time my nails will strengthen back up.  The collagen peptides that I take every morning should  help!

Meditation

Early last fall I started attending meditation classes at Take Five Meditation.  I fell out of my schedule of regularly attending classes towards the end of the year.  I really enjoy meditation as it’s a nice way to devote 30 minutes to just me and my thoughts – no phone, no distractions.  I’m making it a point to attend at least one meditation class per week during the month of January.

 

Do you have anything you’re doing to jumpstart the new year?!  I’d love to hear!  Get the conversation started in the comments below!

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6 Comments

  1. Suzie Waddell Howell wrote:

    I’m doing the “dry January” with you!! It’s going to be a challenge and I’m actually looking forward to it! Thanks for the inspiration! Now that I’ve put it in writing I feel even more committed to being successful! I’m also on board with the running/training thing! I’ve done the St. Jude run in Minden for the past few years (5K). It’s my favorite! Good luck to you!

    Posted 1.1.18
    • Ashlee wrote:

      Hi Mrs. Suzie! The Dry January really is fun – it’s definitely challenging but so many unexpected (and expected) benefits! Cheers to the new year! One of these days I’m going to be in town for the St. Jude 5K! It always looks so fun! Happy New Year!

      Posted 1.1.18
  2. Anna White wrote:

    I’m in the same boat with gel manicures! My nails need some time to breathe!! I’m also doing a dry January, although it’s a lot easier for me since I’m pregnant! Hahaha!!! Happy New Year, friend! Xo

    Posted 1.1.18
    • Ashlee wrote:

      Glad I’m not the only one struggling in the mani department! Getting regular manicures almost isn’t worth it to me – they chip so easily! But excited to give the gel a break for a bit! And lol, yes I’d imagine that’s a little easier, but maybe one of the only easy things about your next few months! Still so excited for y’all!

      Posted 1.1.18
  3. Loving all of these ideas! I definitely love your idea for Dry January!

    Xx Taylor
    http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com/

    Posted 1.3.18
    • Ashlee wrote:

      Thanks Taylor! Dry January is both challenging and really fun! I was so surprised at how much I learned from doing it last year! Cheers to 2018!

      Posted 1.3.18

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