Some Tips for a Better Life
New year, new life… We all set goals and objectives for ourselves when one year ends and another begins; we strive to achieve what we’ve always wanted and seek the strength to overcome certain obstacles. So much so that sometimes we forget to start with the small things in our daily lives. Sometimes the big changes that improve our lives come from small actions that, over the long term, have a real impact.
At Kipli, we address this issue with everyone’s well-being—and that of our planet—in mind.
In this article, you'll find small ideas with a big impact.
How can you change your routine and habits in the long term?
How many times have you told yourself at night that the next day you wouldn't rush to get up for work? Did you manage it once, twice, and then end up choosing to sleep a few more minutes instead of waking up calmly to start the day without rushing?. Human beings, like everything in nature, are accustomed to a rhythm. We all need some kind of routine; even those of us who think we don’t have one have habits that are ingrained in our lives. Automatic behaviors are essential, and from a neurobiological perspective, these kinds of actions consume less energy (when we leave our homes, we lock the door without giving it a second thought).
In order to change a long-term habit or routine, our brain must adapt to the change and embrace it. “For the brain, change is a real obstacle,” notes Dr. Gerhard Roth, professor of behavioral physiology and neurobiology at the University of Bremen. “When we stick to our routines, the brain rewards us with its own opioids, and we become truly addicted. As we go through life and grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to change our routines and habits.”
So what is the key to successfully changing your routine? According to Roth, the brain needs regular “training”—in small steps and with great determination. If you want to make a change, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions: What is my reward? What will I gain if I succeed? And what are the benefits of the change?
Our Small Resolutions for 2022
Better sleep: the key to a better life.
We don’t need to say much to know that sleep deprivation has a profound impact on our daily lives. Did you know that over the past 50 years we’ve lost about 1:30 of sleep? The global average is approximately 6 to 7 hours each night. Improving our sleep habits can have a positive impact on our lives. Today, one of the factors that greatly influences our sleep is exposure to blue light. Smartphones have become such an important part of our lives that we don’t think much about the consequences of overusing them, especially before bed. The light from our cell phones can disrupt our body clock. As a result, we end up going to bed later than we should. To help you sleep better, it’s recommended that you stop using your cell phone or any other screens at least an hour and a half before going to bed.
On the other hand, nutrition must also be taken into account. The French Sleep Institute warns us about the importance of eating well in the evening. Skipping dinner can cause the body to go into survival mode, in which it draws on the body’s energy reserves, disrupting our sleep without us even realizing it. When it’s time to go to bed, herbal teas will be your best ally. Natural herbal teas without added flavors offer many health benefits, helping to reduce sleep problems; chamomile soothes stomach issues, and valerian has a relaxing effect before bedtime, as do linden and lavender.
Tidy Up Your Home (and Your Life!)
You’ve probably already heard of “the magic of tidying up” à la Marie Kondo, author of the bestseller. What does Kondo suggest? Sorting through all the things we need and use throughout the house, asking yourself two questions: “What is truly useful?” and “What brings me joy?” Her organizing technique has gained worldwide recognition, establishing a simple system that means we don’t have to organize as often, since we minimize our belongings and keep only what we truly need and want. By using this method, you’ll come to appreciate space and order—not just in your home, but also in your mind. Because an organized life leads to more…
Ventilate your home, clear your mind. Indoor air pollution is often worse than outdoor air pollution. Discover all the common misconceptions about this topic in our blog post, which includes tips for living in a healthier space. What about pollution at work? Deleting your old emails will not only make your job easier, but it will also give the planet a break. By clearing out your inbox, you can reduce your carbon footprint. A single undeleted email generates about 10 g of CO2 each year. The Cleanfox tool lets you reduce your carbon footprint with just one click.
You can save up to 24% on ink when printing documents if you choose more eco-friendly fonts like Garamond instead of classic ones like Times New Roman or Arial.
Adapting to the Seasons
Any change—even a positive one—requires energy and time for the body to adjust. The changing seasons force us to listen to our bodies’ needs. Check out our blog to learn how to best prepare for winter or how to adjust your sleep schedule to the needs of each season.
Out of respect for nature and the well-being of the planet, we recommend that you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. More and more organizations are working with local producers to promote short supply chains and reduce the carbon footprint. By shopping this way, you’ll be taking care of the planet and your health, and supporting the local economy. Plus, fruits and vegetables always taste better when you eat them in season!
And since we want to do even better in 2022 by putting our small ideas into practice, we're going to take it one step further.
Consume less and better…
Did you know that all the vegetable peels that end up in the trash are actually edible? A good carrot pesto can enhance a pasta dish, and asparagus peels can be boiled to make broth for your asparagus risotto... Zero-waste cooking offers you lots of recipe ideas, and the best part is that you’ll drastically reduce your waste!
Did you know that, according to the Worldwatch Institute, global meat consumption has tripled over the past 40 years? The global average consumption is 43.1 kg of meat per person per year. The health, economic, and environmental impacts are enormous. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global CO2 emissions.
Kipli isn't asking you to become a vegetarian, but by reducing your meat consumption and raising your awareness of the issue, you're taking a step toward greater respect for the planet.
Saving Energy in Our Homes
Finding drafts in the winter and addressing poor insulation in your home are key to saving energy. Remember to close the blinds before dark and invest in thermal curtains. Ventilating your home daily (yes, even in winter) helps combat humidity, which is often the main reason you might feel cold while at home.
Unplugging the coffee maker or the TV, turning off the computer (because you’ll just turn it back on in a few hours anyway)... All these small devices end up costing us about 10–15 euros a year (per device). As simple as it is effective, buying a power strip will solve the problem in a click.
Traveling a Different Way
It’s as if the authors had consulted the Oracle of Delphi: their book *2 Days to Live*, published in October 2019 by Éditions Gallimard, offers excellent ideas for traveling differently—such as by night train or bicycle. Faraway destinations aren’t the only places where we can spend our vacations. With a little creativity and curiosity, we can become more eco-conscious.
Choosing just one of these resolutions can have an impact on your life, your well-being, and the planet. All you have to do is give your brain a little training and guide it in a different way in your day-to-day life ;)
Happy 2022!