Out with the old, and in with the new. It's a new year! While you may not be feeling exactly like a “new me” yet, these tips will help you start fresh again.
The resolution trap
Let’s get one thing out of the way...
Getting a fresh start doesn’t mean you need a new year’s resolution. When a resolution doesn’t turn into a permanent habit, it’s all too easy to become even more discouraged. We’ve all been there, but there's no need to bring any unrealistic expectations into the new year.
If resolutions are so prone to failure, why do we make them? To get that invigorating feeling that a fresh start is possible. There are a few simple things you can do today to get those fresh-start vibes — no strings attached. Here are Rümi’s top tips for starting off the new year fresh, dialled in and feeling great!
Fresh space
Your space is where you spend most of your time. After a holiday of food, good company and long naps on the couch, why not spruce things up a little? Switching up your home environment is a practical way to immediately shift your perspective for the upcoming year.
Tips for refreshing your space
1. Put the holidays in the past
Who says cleaning should wait till spring? The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make changes. Rid your space of clutter and get it clean for the rest of the winter season. Plus, you get that rush of a new beginning when your year starts out on the right foot.
Remove clutter and make sure the things in your home have their own place. Pay special attention to any lingering holiday debris like gift packaging, uneaten treats and winter plants that are past their prime. It’s a new year, so let go of your Christmas tree, poinsettias and any decorations that may be keeping you stuck in the past.
Bonus tip: Skip the dirty work
Get your home ludicrously clean with a cleaning bundle from Rümi. This service is just the deep cleaning you need to start the year off right. Includes sanitization of your whole home, all the way down to the air ducts, dryer vents, carpets and furnace!
2. Rearrange and reorganize
Moving just one piece of furniture can make your home feel fresh. If you haven’t given your home a shakeup recently, try moving things around. Find a new spot for that lamp, shelf or table that hasn’t moved in a while. Clear out storage areas and find ways to reorganize that will create more space. Shift plants to sunnier spots and give them a trim if needed. These simple adjustments make your space fresh and dynamic, so try to get in the habit of mixing it up!
If you're spending a lot of time at home these days, it’s even more important to add variety. Rearranging your space can make a world of difference to your perspective as you head into a new year and beyond.
3. Fresh paint job
A fresh coat of paint can change everything about a room. It's a fantastic way to breathe new life into any size of space.
Painting can also create the illusion of more space. While there is a cost in tools and supplies, painting is an affordable DIY that makes a big difference.
Strapped for time? Painting an accent wall or nook is a small way to change the visual impact of a room. You only need a few hours to complete a small painting project, so feel free to experiment with a new colour.
Bonus tip: Leave it to the pros!
A perfect paint job can increase your home’s real estate value. Hiring a pro is a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re thinking about selling. Book a painting service today to bring new life into your space! Our team can help you make your home colour dreams a reality.
Fresh air
Ready for a breath of fresh air? Home air quality is one of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance, with big implications for health. And with everyone staying home more often these days, the pollutants in your home air are likely even more concentrated. Give your year a fresh-air start with these tips for easy breathing!
Tips for refreshing your airspace
1. Clean air ducts
When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? If it’s been a while, buildup of dirt and debris could be impacting your home’s air quality. Aim to have your air ducts cleaned every 2–3 years.
2. Purify home air
For many people with allergies, air purifiers are the key to breathing easy in enclosed spaces like homes and vehicles. But air purifiers are also beneficial to people who don’t experience allergies. A good purifier reduces under-the-radar home air pollution caused by everyday air contaminants like cleaning products, smoke and dust. And the biggest benefit? Better sleep. People who use air purifiers report feeling more refreshed after sleeping, and studies show that air purifiers can even relieve symptoms of sleep apnea.
Bonus tip: Buy the right type of air purifier for you
What kind of air purifier should you buy? Air purifiers come in many forms, so this isn’t always a straightforward decision. Between HEPA, Ultraviolet, Activated Carbon and other buzzworthy products, it’s not always obvious what type of air purifier you’ll need. We recommend the MySpace OHAir air purifier, which can handle your home’s air purification and eliminate odours. If you’re ready to invest in your home’s air quality, this is the best way to start the new year feeling fresh and invigorated!
3. Test your home for radon gas
Don’t forget to test your home for radon gas regularly. Radon gas is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause cancer in high concentrations. That’s why it’s so important to correct radon issues in your home as soon as they’re detected. Fortunately, detecting radon is a simple task you can do yourself. Radon detectors are affordable, easy to use and should be a standard part of every homeowner’s toolkit.
Bonus tip: Outdoor adventures in Alberta
The freshest air you’ll find is in the great outdoors! Whether you’re taking a stroll through Calgary’s downtown core or hiking Jasper National Park, get outside for fresh air and activity.
Regular treks into nature are going to be more important than ever in the upcoming year. If you feel you’ve been stuck inside and glued to the couch a lot the past few years, you’re not alone! Outdoor activities improve happiness, self-esteem and give you that big dose of fresh outside air. So go for it — put on your comfiest walking shoes, snowshoes or winter boots and explore the great outdoors!
Fresh food
Eating more fresh food can make a big difference in how you feel. Making homemade meals from fresh ingredients can help you be more connected to the food you prepare, which adds to the joy of eating. We at Rümi love to cook and eat, so we’ve put together a few fresh-food ideas to shake up your home menu. Bon appétit!
Tips for eating fresh
1. Fresh, local fruits and veggies
Eating local food helps your local economy and encourages sustainability. Not to mention fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables always seem to taste so much better!
As you plan your first meals of the year, visit your local farmer’s market. Locally grown produce will start your year off healthy, happy and full of good food.
2. Fruit smoothies
What’s more refreshing than a delicious fruit smoothie? With the right tools and recipe, you can enjoy fresh blends all year long. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Fresh, local fruit and ingredients
- Blender (we recommend the Salton Power Blender!)
- A refreshing smoothie recipe from our friends at Blue Flame Kitchen!
Bonus tip: Try one of our favourite smoothie recipes
- Fruit and Chia Smoothie — Omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibre and various vitamins and minerals for a fresh start to your morning.
- Mango Banana Smoothie — Tropical fruits, honey and ginger make this the right refreshment for new beginnings.
- Green Tea and Berry Smoothie — Delicious, fruity, caffeinated and sure to get your day started with a good energy buzz!
- Breakfast in a Blender — Start the day off right with an orange banana smoothie fortified with oat bran.
- Berry Orange Smoothie — Sweet, tasty and full of fresh fruit, this smoothie is for everyone who needs a midday energy boost.
3. Fresh pasta
Who doesn’t love fresh pasta made from scratch? Pasta is just the carb-heavy, mouth-watering source of energy you need to get through the cold winter months. If pasta is comfort food, does eating count as self-care? We think so.
Homemade pasta is easy to make, and you don’t need a ton of fancy pasta-making equipment to get started. The payoff is clear: delicious, fresh, homemade pasta dishes you can serve today with your favourite homemade pasta sauce.
Bonus tip: Get the right recipe
Blue Flame Kitchen has an easy recipe for delicious Fresh Pasta. No pasta machine needed.
Fresh outlook
Bringing renewed energy, optimism and drive to the new year is a great way to start a new year, but remember to be kind to yourself. Developing healthy habits is a marathon, not a sprint. Putting too much pressure on the first month of the year leaves little room for sustainable habit building. Make plans to do specific things that make you happy through the year.
Tips for a fresh perspective
1. Make a plan
Whether it’s building outdoor excursions into your schedule or planning long overdue home maintenance tasks, plan ahead and set goals. Dream up a plan that’s both achievable and inspiring — and make sure it includes moments of fun and rest!
Happy New Year!
As the year changes, remember that self-care comes in many forms. You don’t need strict resolutions to get a fresh start. Plan manageable projects concretely, and be sure to prioritize rest, comfort and ease as well.
We hope these fresh tips for your home, airspace, food and outlook help you on your path to a great year! From all of us at Rümi, we hope you have a wonderful new year filled with happiness.
