Like so many of us, I make New Year's resolutions [1], and honestly, some are more successful than others. However, one of my strategies is to make small habit changes alongside bigger lifestyle goals, and those little habits generally stick. So, for 2021, I have a few small behaviour tweaks I'd like to make. Namely, my screen time is abysmal. I'm on the computer all day long for work, and when I shut off my laptop I turn immediately to my phone or the tv. It's not good. I normally fall asleep to the tv, and I'd like to get better quality sleep this year, but I struggle to fall asleep unless I'm watching something I love. Well, in the last week or so, I've made it a habit to read before bed, and it's been a game changer.
This simple habit change hits on a whopping three goals I'd like to achieve this year. Number one, I have got to get my screen time down. By reading instead of watching tv before bed, I'm shaving at least a half hour off my screen time, which is an improvement I'll definitely take. Number two, reading versus looking at a screen will help me get better quality sleep, and in a year of so much stress and anxiety, sleep is a priority for me. Number three, I always say that I want to read more [2], and I have an enormous stack of books by my nightstand. In the last week, I've gotten through a larger chunk of my current book than I have in the last month. I'm a big fan of work smarter, not harder, and this simple swap has not only given me a nighttime routine, but a productive one at that. Keep scrolling to shop the products I'm using to help me get there. Here's to 2021!
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance [4] ($10, originally $18) is the book I'm currently reading, and I love it so much. Angela Duckworth was actually a professor of mine in college, and her research is meaningful for anyone trying to live a more fulfiling life. Everyone should read this book.
Energizer Clip on Book Light for Reading in Bed
I turn off the lights in my room, and instead rely on just one little light, like this useful Energizer Clip on Book Light for Reading in Bed [5] ($10).
Personalized Bookmark
I hate folding the pages of books, so this Personalized Bookmark [6] ($9) is a fun necessity for me.
The Last Mrs. Parrish: A Novel
The Last Mrs. Parrish: A Novel [7] ($13, originally $17) is next on my list. I'm generally wary of thrillers, but I'm excited about this one.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents [8] ($19, originally $32) has been on my list for months, and I'm really excited to finally pick it up.
How Could She: A Novel
How Could She: A Novel [9] ($14, originally $17) was recommended by a friend, and I'm excited for this fun story.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind [10] ($13, originally $25) has plagued my nightstand. I've looked at it for almost a year, and I'm determined to finish it in 2021.
Papier The Jag Notebook
I'm one of those people who hates to mark up their books, so when I have quotes I like or ideas that come up, I write them in a notebook. This Papier The Jag Notebook [11] ($18, originally $21) is gorgeous.
Miroco LED Floor Lamp with 5 Brightness Levels & 3 Colour Temperatures
This Miroco LED Floor Lamp with 5 Brightness Levels & 3 Colour Temperatures [12] ($50) is an awesome lamp, and gives plenty of light while still being sensitive to nighttime.