Ditch your phone before bedtime

Like a devoted guard dog, your phone probably never leaves your side. But using  the phone before bedtime can be detrimental to your vision as well as your brain. You consume enough information, entertainment and blue light during the day. Give yourself at least a 30-minute break from scrolling and texting when you're about to hit the hay. Putting your phone on "Do not disturb mode" or in a different room can help you limit screen time before bed.

Track your budget

Do you constantly feel like you're broke? One way to be sensible about your spendings is to save a certain amount of money each month before any discretionary expenses such as eating at restaurants and/or subscribing to various streaming services. Envisioning what you're saving up for – whether it is a new smart phone or a friends' trip - will keep your feet on the ground as it motivates you to keep your eyes on the prize.

Set aside some alone time   

Pry yourself away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If all those hours watching Mr Bean in your childhood taught you anything, let it be that there's no greater happiness than to enjoy one's company. Read a book, do your elaborate skincare, rewatch a series, make a TikTok video with #Welcome2022 – the list is endless.

Exercise

Start both physical and mental exercises. Solving a crossword will help you as a 20-minute walk on your terrace. Just don't give up the habit of exercise. Your resolutions are not about crossing fingers and throwing pennies in a fountain. So it doesn't matter if you take baby steps as long as they are successive steps throughout the year.

Treat people (yourself included) with kindness

The only way to persevere through adversity is by practicing random acts of kindness. Even if the world tries to drag you down, do not pursue malice. For the sake of your well-being, nurture yourself into a happier, more fulfilled version of you by investing time in your passions. So when your cup is full, you can pour the love for others. Remember, kindness has a ripple effect.

The author is a student of BRAC University, and a freelance journalist. Email: shanzaychowdhury@gmail.com.