11 Things to Do Now for Your Best Year Ever

For many of us, 2018 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2019! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January and February for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

You’re ready to start the new year, and regardless of how kind 2018 may have been to you, you’ve gotta love the feeling that comes with a fresh start. It’s a throwback to the first day of school, a moment when you were able to sharpen those pencils and pack up your new backpack, check out a new classroom and make new friends. Since most of us miss out on those exciting BTS vibes as grown-ups, we have to savor the echoes of them at the start of a new year instead. We don’t want you to let those high hopes go to waste, so we’ve chatted up a group of lifestyle experts to get their thoughts on what you should do at the start of 2019 in order to make the rest of the year the very best one yet. Keep scrolling to learn more.

1. Start a vitamin habit. “Getting all the nutrients you need is essential for staying healthy, but nobody eats perfectly all the time, especially in winter, when our diets tend to become less colorful,” co-founder and CEO of Care/of Craig Elbert says. “Vitamins can help fill in the gaps and are an easy habit to incorporate into your routine that can have a big effect on long-term health.” Make it your mission to adopt a vitamin regimen in the early part of the year so you can feel your best going forward.

2. Talk to your boss. Now is a good time to open up the lines of communication with your supervisor, according to LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele. This is especially important if you have expectations of a raise or promotion over the course of the year or if you’re hoping to start working from home or on a more flexible schedule. The earlier you can get those ideas on the table, the better.

3. Test out new elements to your routine. Try a new wake-up time. Push all of your meetings to the afternoon. Eat two big meals per day instead of three smaller ones. Give yourself permission to try new routines early in the new year. Co-founder and CCO of therapy brand Myodetox Vinh Pham suggests leaning into the many pieces of advice that you can get from social media. Trying something for a few days doesn’t mean you’re committed to it for life, and it may make you happier or more productive for the rest of the year.

4. Schedule down time. After the chaos of the holiday season, it’s natural to slip back into the rush of your over-scheduled day-to-day routine come the new year. Resist the urge. According to founder of Ballet Fit Theory at Fit Atelier Sophie Folts-Mercure, actually scheduling your down time is a great way to help stop the madness.

5. Make a list of 12 people you want to get to know better. And then get to know them better. “Branch out in the new year and get to know people from different fields and friend circles, and grow relationships with people in your line of work,” founder and CEO of INKED by Dani Dani Egna tells us. “Create a calendar reminder at the start of each month to get in touch with each of these people to meet for coffee or drinks!”

6. Identify your food triggers. We’re not fans of restrictive diets, but we do totally support you if one of your goals in this new year is to increase your wellness — and food obviously plays a major role there. A great first step, per registered dietitian nutritionist and senior director of nutrition at Habit Lisa Talamini, is to think about some of the patterns that typically trigger you to go for foods that only make you feel icky. “When you identify your triggers, you can find a way to combat them, like bringing a healthy snack if you’re going into a stressful environment or moving further from the candy bowl at work,” Talamini says.

7. Practice gratitude. “Focusing on gratitude is a major game changer to help you find balance in 2019,” NYC certified health and autoimmune paleo coach Annika Schimmer tells us. “It can be as simple as thinking of five things you are grateful for each morning.” Cultivating gratitude habits early in the year will help you maintain a healthy perspective for months to come.

8. Break down your financial goals. Feeling overwhelmed by your big picture money-related aspirations? No worries! Maura Cassidy, vice president of retirement and small business at Fidelity Investments, recommends breaking down those big goals so you can more easily track your progress along the way. Figure out what you might realistically be able to save or pay back in three- or six-month increments, then celebrate those smaller wins to help motivate you toward the bigger ones.

9. Block off time for exercise. Stop thinking in the abstract about when you might have a few minutes to get your body moving and get into a routine of scheduling that time more specifically. Women’s health expert and founder of BINTO Suzie Welsh suggests noting this in your calendar as “self-care” to keep your mindset around exercise positive. “By blocking off time each day and pre-paying for any classes, you’re more likely to stick with the routine throughout the year ahead,” she says.

10. Spend money on others. Push past your financial fears and insecurities and remind yourself that money can actually be used to spread joy. “Spending on ourselves is great — and necessary,” Qapital chief behavioral economist Dan Ariely says. “But scientists have found people often report being happier when they use your money for others.” And don’t you want to have the happiest year ever?

11. Set boundaries. Saying “no” doesn’t make you negative. “Learning to say ‘no’ is one of the most important skills,” says health coach Gabriella Truglio, the head of the wellness program at The Yard and founder of Tru Haus. “Say ‘no’ to the things that don’t serve you and say ‘yes’ to the things that scare you and that you’re passionate about. The beginning of the year is a great time to take the jump.”

How do you plan to start the new year on a high note? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

Keeping our minds sharp becomes just as important as maintaining our physical health when we get older.

But while memory, concentration, and mental clarity can decline with age, the good news is that the brain remains extremely adaptable and can still benefit from consistent mental exercises.

So, just like how you hit the gym and work out your muscles to stay fit, you can participate in activities that strengthen your cognitive abilities, too. Whether you want to improve your memory or simply stay mentally agile, here are eight mental exercises that will help keep you sharp.

These are the 8 best mental exercises to keep your mind sharp!

1. Play Card Games

cottonbro studio

A study conducted in 2015 showed that regularly playing cards can actually increase brain volume in various regions, which is linked to improved cognitive functions like memory and critical thinking.

Not to mention, card games are a great way to boost focus, hone your decision-making skills, and connect with other players. Some popular favorites you can try out include poker, crazy eights, hearts, bridge, and gin rummy.

2. Strengthen Your Trivia Knowledge

Marcus Aurelius

Are you more of a "Jeopardy!" or "Family Feud" person? Regardless, trivia is an excellent way to exercise your brain and learn more across a wide variety of topics. The best part is that you can play solo or in a group.

Download a trivia app on your phone, hit up a trivia night at local bars or cafes, or play some trivia board games with friends or family. Participating in trivia regularly may improve both short-term and long-term memory retention.

3. Build Jigsaw Puzzles

Kaboompics.com

From simple 100-piece images to more complex 1,000-piece works of art, puzzles are more than just a way to relax. They're also a great mental workout.

Building jigsaw puzzles has been shown to activate multiple cognitive functions, such as spatial reasoning, visual processing, and problem-solving, all of which are critical for preserving brain health as we mature.

4. Venture Off The Beaten Path

cottonbro studio

When we stick to the same routines day in and day out, our brains can get pretty complacent. Try shaking things up and stepping outside of your comfort zone by challenging your mind.

For instance, taking a different route to work is a small habit switch that can have a surprising impact on cognitive function. You'll be forcing your brain to adapt to new environments or processes and stimulating areas responsible for memory, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.

5. Play An Instrument

Charles Parker

If you've ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument, there's never been a more perfect time. Again, since the brain is adaptable and continues forming new connections throughout your life, you can develop new skills at any age.

Plus, picking up an instrument requires concentration, coordination, and memory, making it a stellar brain exercise.

6. Learn A Foreign Language

Ivan Samkov

You can reap significant cognitive benefits from learning a foreign language as well. Research suggests that being bilingual can actually enhance creativity, memory, and visual-spatial skills. It even makes it easier to switch between tasks and may help delay mental decline.

The best part? It's never too late to get started. There are plenty of language-learning apps available right on your smart device. Otherwise, visit a local class to connect with others who are also picking up a new language.

7. Teach Someone Else A Skill

Mikhail Nilov

It's one thing to learn a new skill; it's another to teach it to someone else. Not only will it reinforce your own knowledge, but it'll deepen your understanding further.

When you explain a concept or technique to another person, you have to break it down, identify key steps, and correct mistakes along the way. This helps solidify your grasp on the topic at hand while bolstering your memory.

8. Meditate

Marcus Aurelius

Finally, daily meditation does more than merely calm your mind or reduce stress. Regular practice may also improve memory and increase your brain's capacity to process information more efficiently.

All you have to do is take a few moments each day to focus on your breathing and clear your mind.

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If you've been searching for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones, look no further. Reading a children's book together is a great way to dive into the magic of Irish folklore, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day books to spark your kiddo's imagination and teach them about the spirit of the holiday.

Scroll to see our favorite St. Patrick's Day children's books!

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1. I'm A Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.

The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

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2. Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk

If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.

Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.

This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.

Amazon

3. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.

But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.

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4. St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

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5. It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler

Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.

Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.

Amazon

6. The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman

The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.

Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.

This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

Amazon

7. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.

On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.

The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.

Amazon

8. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.

DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!

This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The world today is more fast-paced than ever, so it can be easy to push ourselves to the limit and neglect our well-being in favor of completing responsibilities and remaining productive. Nonetheless, there comes a point when our minds and bodies start to send us clear signals that we need a break. But contrary to what some may believe, taking a mental health day is not a sign of weakness.

It's understandable why people might feel guilty about taking personal time off from work to focus on self-care or simply relax and relieve stress. Even so, this growing practice is vital for preserving balance and preventing burnout in both our personal and professional lives. So, in case you need a reminder, it's okay to put yourself first and take a mental health day — these are 10 signs that you may need to ask for one.

Scroll to find the 10 clear signs you need to take a mental health day!

1. You're Anxious About Going To The Office

Tima Miroshnichenko

If you find yourself waking up in the morning with a pit in your stomach and wishing you could avoid the day ahead, it's a sign that your mind is overwhelmed. Feeling anxious or dreading going to work can be normal from time to time, but if it's a consistent pattern, these emotions may be a result of burnout or mounting stress. It's essential to listen to your body, as pushing through and going to work anyway could lead to further exhaustion and even more anxiety.

2. You Feel Burnt Out

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Burnout has the ability to creep up on us gradually. When stress is unmanaged, or breaks are neglected, these feelings can build up over time and cause us to feel deeply exhausted. People suffering from burnout can experience a multitude of symptoms, from lower energy levels and mental fogginess to physical and emotional depletion.

3. You're Having Trouble Focusing

Kaboompics.com

When we're stressed, our minds can become clouded, and concentrating at work becomes an impossible task. Even the simplest responsibilities may take more mental effort than ever before, and in the wake of this overwhelming feeling, the likelihood that we'll make mistakes increases.

Not to mention, the effects of stress extend beyond just focus and can also interfere with memory and the ability to retain new information. You may suddenly realize you're struggling to learn new skills or recall important details.

4. You're Constantly Getting Sick

Liza Summer

Chronic stress can seriously affect your physical health as well, and if you're frequently getting sick, you may need to take a day off. Research has shown that stress triggers an increase in suppressor T cells and catecholamine levels, both of which suppress the immune system. So, you're left more vulnerable to illnesses.

A mental health break from work can help you lower stress and, in turn, boost your immune system's ability to fight off things like colds or viruses.

5. You're Getting Agitated Easily

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After exhaustion and stress take over, it can be tough to keep our emotions in check. So, even tiny annoyances might trigger agitation or anger.

If you've begun snapping at coworkers or losing your temper over things that wouldn't normally bother you, it's a sign that your mental health is suffering. Taking a personal day will be good for both your well-being and the maintenance of your professional relationships.

6. It's Difficult To Sleep

Andrea Piacquadio

Whether you're frustrated, anxious, or stressed, all of these emotions can make it tough to sleep at night. And if you're tossing and turning, not getting enough rest to sustain you throughout the workday, stress levels will continue to rise.

This pattern can spiral into a vicious cycle: the more sleep you lose, the harder it becomes to think clearly, leading to more stress and even more lost shut-eye. Sometimes, taking a mental health day to catch up on some much-needed sleep can break the cycle.

7. Your Eating Habits Have Changed

Kaboompics.com

Much like sleep, stress can also have a significant impact on our eating habits as well. Some people may lose their appetite and skip meals due to anxiety, while others turn to food for comfort.

Both of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and signal that your mental health is struggling. If you realize that you've been binging or avoiding food in response to work-related pressure, it's time to take a break.

8. Your Work Performance Has Dipped

Mikhail Nilov

Next, a decline in your work quality, from missed deadlines to challenges staying organized, may suggest your stress levels have reached a point where they're affecting your job performance.

If we're overwhelmed and our mental capacity becomes overloaded, it's tougher to prioritize tasks effectively and operate with a clear head.

9. You Feel Disconnected From Those Around You

Ketut Subiyanto

Another telltale indicator is feeling disconnected from coworkers, friends, and family. You might feel misunderstood or as if you're on a different page than everyone else. Plus, as stress continues mounting, you may feel isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people. Taking a break from your routine and reconnecting with loved ones in your personal life can help you reset and ground your mental health.

10. You're Bringing Your Work Home

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Last but not least, does it seem like work is constantly following you home? Perhaps you're always thinking about tasks, worrying about emails, or mentally replaying conversations from the office in your head.

Being unable to disconnect from work after hours is dangerous, as it impedes your work-life balance and doesn't give you a chance to properly rest and recharge. Additionally, blurring the line between work and home life can strain your personal relationships since you're less present with loved ones. A mental health day will allow you to step away, clear your mind, and restore a necessary boundary.

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Spring is finally here, and thus, spring fashion is in full swing! Pulling our favorite dresses back out is undoubtedly one of our favorite things to do once it starts warming up, but it also doesn’t hurt to snag a few new ones! Nordstrom just dropped their freshest spring dresses, including tons of plus-size styles that flatter every curve. Whether you're looking for a bold floral print, a classic slip dress, or something in between, these 11 Nordstrom plus-size spring dresses are perfect for every occasion.

Stylishly step into the season with these 11 super chic plus-size spring dresses from Nordstrom!

Nordstrom

Eloquii Knit Maxi Dress

Knit dresses aren't just for winter – this springy number looks just as stylish. The tiered design helps shape your waist in the most flattering way, too.

Nordstrom

City Chic Floral Print Faux Wrap Dress

These colors, though! The wrapped waistline on this floral frock draws you in for a stunning look every time. Style it with your favorite heels for a more formal event, or just rock it with some ballet flats for a laidback weekend vibe.

Nordstrom

City Chic Frill Ruffle Maxi Dress

We adore the ruffles on this maxi moment. The squared neckline is undeniably flattering and femme for springtime!

Nordstrom

Land's End Dobby Smocked Dress

You'll be lookin' like a beautiful blooming spring garden the second you slip this smocked dress on. While fitted up top, it flows down into a breezy midi-length skirt that'll look great with Mary Janes and tall boots alike!

Nordstrom

City Chic Destiny Eyelet Dress

Everyone needs a comfy white cotton dress to sport during spring – it goes with everything! This mini is made with tons of tiny, cute eyelets to keep your outfit breezy and oh-so easy.

Nordstrom

Melloday Printed Shirred Waist Tiered Maxi Sundress

This playful abstract pattern will definitely get heads turning your way this spring. More importantly, this dress' v-neckline and shirred waist flatters your body to a tee!

Nordstrom

Loveappella A-Line Maxi Dress

This bright slip dress makes a great base to layer with the denim jackets and vintage cardigans you want to pull out this season. Don't be afraid of a little color!

Nordstrom

City Chic Pinafore Maxi Dress

Perfect for a daytime picnic, this denim pinafore dress is the ultimate comfy, no-fuss spring 'fit, whether you layer it atop a tank or t-shirt.

Nordstrom

Eloquii Off The Shoulder Dress

Smooth and serene, the cool brown shade of this dress is flattering on every body. The off-shoulder design adds a pinch of sexy energy, while the feel-good fabric hugs your waist perfectly!

Nordstrom

Estelle Mezzanine Cactus Print Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress

This mesh midi dress comes complete with a slip lining, so you can ensure full coverage no matter where you're headed this spring! The mock neck and long sleeves make it so sophisticated for the office, happy hour, and beyond.

Nordstrom

Land's End V-Neck Wrap Midi Dress

This elegant floral number can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. For a casual 'fit, rock it with some sleek sneakers or sandals. When you want to dress it up, pair it with some spring heels!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning plus-size fashion picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

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