Fine-tuning a hobby-turned-skill (or starting from scratch!) is a great way to invest in yourself this year.  At the top of my list?  Taking a calligraphy class with a local calligraphy artist (spotted via Instagram, of course) or with friends at a local art supply store.  

I embrace “self-help books” with open arms, and I don’t care who knows it.  I’m in constant search of improving myself, my outlook and my habits, so these inspiring books are right up my alley.  Of course, some are a little cheesier than others, but for the most part, they’re universally helpful. I like to think of myself as a better friend, better family member, better girlfriend and better colleague thanks to takeaways from some of my favorites. 

Lynda is a relatively new(ish) site from the smarties over at LinkedIn, if you haven’t heard of it already.  It currently offers 5,506 courses in business, technology and creative skills, all taught by industry experts. Think web development, design, photography, online marketing and SO many more.  

You’re able to search for courses (some only a few minutes) for skill sets, specific tools like Outlook and Google Analytics, as well as “Learning Paths” that you can undertake on your own time, which makes it incredibly flexible and doable if you’re interested in learning a craft to add to your growing skill set.  There’s even a “Learning Path” for managing change in a business, becoming a music business entrepreneur and how to sell on Etsy!  

Wellness and Detox Retreats are the new big thing, friends, and I’m ALL about them.  I have always been intrigued with the thought of a yoga retreat, and now that I’ve heard about wellness retreats…well I’m obsessed with the idea. 

A wellness or fitness retreat could be one of the best things you do for your mind, body and soul this year!  Where will you go?  Here are some luxe goop-approved retreats to check out.  

You don’t need to take a photography class to practice your picture-taking.  Just start shooting!  And yes, that could even mean on your phone for Instagram or your Go-Pro on the next family vacation.

I’ve found that photography can be an incredibly fulfilling way to commemorate vacations, milestones and events, and I’m always trying to improve this skill myself.  It can be a coveted line on a resume, it can even earn you extra cash on the side, as well as a lead on considerate, homemade gifts and more.  I like to think of it as the skill that keeps on giving. 

Use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning, and keep your phone in another room. It will not only help you sleep better (less screen time as you unwind before bed), but it will also ensure that the start to your morning is devoted to your morning rituals.  Uninterrupted YOU time and not answering to anyone else (emails, texts, Instagram, etc.). 

Any exercises that strengthen your core will help your spinal alignment for the rest of your day, not to mention get your blood flowing.  I’ve also read that an inversion has a dozen positive effects on your body…so get into that headstand!  Because of their movements, yoga and pilates are great practice to incorporate into your morning rituals.  And if that still sounds too aggressive for you, check out this no-excuses morning workout.

And of course, everyone’s heard that meditation is a key ingredient to success by now, especially for entrepreneurs.  The app Headspace is a simple way to get started (and one that I’ll be trying soon!). 

Journaling every morning for as little as five minutes can be just the thing your morning ritual is missing.  By writing down what you’re grateful for, you’re starting your day feeling content, satisfied and blessed in different areas of your life.  It’s a simple, proven way to improve well being and happiness…and everyone from athletes to movie stars to your neighbors and the UPS man are doing it (and so should you). 

The Five Minute Journal is a great way to get started; its simple, structured format keeps the guesswork out of it.  

According to Tim Ferriss, the simple act of making your bed gives you a feeling of accomplishment first thing in the morning. This is especially important for your productivity for the rest of the day because it encourages you to do even more tasks, ultimately enabling you to get more done. 

Also, when working from home (*raises hand*), having a clean, organized environment greatly affects your productivity…less distractions = more GSDing. 

After you’ve made your bed and given your soul a little hug (through exercise or meditation), go ahead and write down the most important things you need to get done that day.  By writing it all down and tackling the dire tasks first, you streamline your to-do list and boost your productivity levels.  You’ll be feeling like a million bucks as you cross off the must-do’s, and that feeling of accomplishment will fuel you through the rest of the day.