We’re now steaming ahead in 2019, and the summer months will soon be upon us. To some of us, we may have fallen from the wagon when it comes to new year’s resolutions, while some may not have even made any at all. I personally hate the term “new year’s resolutions” because it implies you can only make them once a year. I much prefer to refer to them as “positive changes” because you can make them any time! For me, using this term also takes the pressure off but still encourages me to keep going if I end up having a little slip. So, with that in mind, here are the three positive changes I’ve made so far in 2019!

Giving to Charity

In this day and age, a lot of us feel we don’t have the cash to spare for a good cause, but with all of the issues surrounding us, I think it’s important we still do our bit. There’s plenty of ways that you can give back to a worthy cause, and in some cases you can even help your favourite charities through doing a little online shopping! If you’re like me and love nothing more than a little retail therapy from the comfort of your couch, sites like Savoo and Promo Codes For will help you combine the two. These sites will help you save money on your shop, while donating a portion of their profits to charity every month. Their pages are packed with promo codes and offers for all your favourite retailers, and simply by shopping with them you can help raise money for worthy causes. I’m also quite the fan of a charity shop too – you can find some amazing clothing and household items, all while helping good causes!

Make Time for Me

It’s so important to practice a little self care every now and then. Where we all lead busy lives, making time for ourselves is often the thing that gets pushed aside. I try to make sure that I have at least one evening a week where I kick back with a good book or a couple of episodes of my favourite TV show. I’ll set my phone to silent, pour myself a glass of wine and just relax. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, taking a little time out really helps improve my mood. It’s also a great idea just to check in with yourself mentally too. Whether or not you write in a journal, practice a little mindfulness, or simply just take a moment to acknowledge your feelings, it all goes towards taking some time for yourself.

Saving Money

I’ll admit, I’ve never been great at putting money aside. But with my husband and I saving for a house I’ve decided it’s time to change that. I’ve spent a lot of time these past few months thinking about the misconceptions we have with money and how simple things like altering your mindset can make a world of difference. I’ve started to pay more attention to those little purchases I make every day that build up over time. I’ll ask myself if I really need that large coffee on the way to work or that glossy magazine I skim through on my lunch break. It’s such a small thing, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be shocked at what you can save in the space of a month or two!