New Year, New You: How to Be a Better Person to Yourself and Others

No one is perfect. You know this much. However, you shouldn’t take this as a negative. Instead, consider it an opportunity for self-improvement. There’s no best time to work on yourself. But, since the new year offers such an inviting atmosphere for change, you can use it as a sign to finally push through on those promises you’ve made for yourself throughout the year. Following through on your goals can be difficult. However, read on if you need tips on how to be a better person. Our first advice? Start small.

Self-improvement lists often wax poetic about being kind to others, but you shouldn’t neglect yourself in the process. Self-love has been such a huge movement lately for good reason. According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, it means not settling for anything less than what you deserve and indulging in it. Doesn't that sound good?

Self-love can have a tremendous effect on your confidence. Extensive research shows that it can enhance motivation, manage anxiety and depression, and help you become more resilient.

The next time someone advises you to perform a random act of kindness, make sure to include yourself on the receiving end. It can be anything from staying in bed for an extra five minutes to booking a well-earned vacation.

How to be a better person can start at bedtime. Many people often overlook the benefits of sleep. Even in this era of holistic wellness, some people still believe that sleep wastes time and compromises productivity. If you think this way, well, you are wrong.

Science has proven the value of adequate slumber time and again. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep influences every tissue in your body. Not only does it make you physically healthier, but it also boosts your mood and affects your social interactions. On the other hand, lack of sleep makes you prone to obesity (and consequentially diabetes and cardiovascular health), depression, and anxiety. 

The tip? Set a sleep schedule! You’re not too old to have a bedtime, especially if it can encourage proper sleep. Create a conducive sleep environment at least one hour before you hit the hay. Turn off gadgets, drink a warm beverage, light scented candles.

You can also take a lukewarm bath to wash away the day’s stress and prompt your body to relax. Use soothing products, such as Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff Healthy Strong Shampoo and Dove Relaxing Lavender Body Wash. Mint and lavender are well-known for their calming effect.

Having a sleep routine will eventually signal your body that it’s time for rest. 

A 2021 feature on Harvard Health says that giving thanks can make you happier. It enables you to become more positive, enjoy experiences, enhance overall health, cope better, and improve relationships. You can be grateful for the warm sunshine or your family being together again. 

Being grateful doesn’t mean you become unreasonably optimistic. You should acknowledge and accept bad news, but don’t fester over it. Focusing on the positive, however, will help you hurdle challenges better. So, grin and bear it.

Use closeup All Around Fresh Soothing Menthol Toothpaste to highlight your hopeful mindset. It has fluoride for strong teeth that's resilient against cavities, silica for eliminating plaque, zinc to fight bacteria, and peppermint to promote freshness. Fresh breath and strong teeth? Those are two things to be thankful for. 

Helping people is always good, but having no boundaries can cause problems. People may take advantage or you can wear yourself out. Knowing when to draw the line gives you a greater sense of control over your life and may even decrease stress (no more worrying about misunderstandings and misaligned expectations). Having standards also develops your self-esteem and helps build your identity. 

This may be a cliché, but it is nonetheless true. When you want to learn how to be a better person to others, you have to realize that everything starts with you and how you treat yourself.