8 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Easily Keep
A new year can offer a new start for people looking to improve themselves and their lives. For many, New Year’s resolutions are often health related. Unfortunately, sometimes these new goals are unrealistic and can unravel after a few weeks. Why not try different kinds of resolutions this year? The kind that are healthy for your mind and spirit. Here are eight ways to embrace the new year that are fun and not only easy to jumpstart—but easy to keep going.
- Read more books
Have you wished you had more time to read over the past years? Now is your chance to get back to it. Fill your nightstand or reading device with stories that entertain and intrigue. Instead of watching that extra hour of television, snuggle under a blanket with a story. Keep yourself accountable by setting an annual goal, logging in the number of books read, and reviewing each one online. Goodreads is a place for book lovers to track books and post reviews.
- Practice daily gratitude
At the end of each day, record in a journal ten things you are grateful for that day. These can be events or people and as simple as enjoying the sunshine or a good cup of tea. When you’re feeling low, take some time to go back over your daily gratitude lists for a mental boost. It will help you remain focused on all the things you have to appreciate in your life.
- Take random drives
We can get wrapped up every day in a to-do-list and running around with errands. Get in your car with no destination in mind and see where it leads. Turn down new roads you’ve never traveled along. Try this solo or with a friend. You never know what new places you’ll discover or what conversations you’ll have along the way!
- Practice self-care
We all have daily stresses in our life, big and small. Taking the time to unload them can help us be happier and peaceful. Set aside fifteen to twenty minutes each day dedicated to relaxation. This can be meditation, listening to music, or simply dozing for a few minutes with a pet. Another self-care idea is the practice of Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT). EFT is a self-help technique that uses tapping on certain points of the body like acupuncture to relieve anxiety.
- Try a new hobby
Is there something on your bucket list you’ve always wanted to try? Now is the time to do it. Whether it’s learning yoga, how to play an instrument, calligraphy, knitting, scrapbooking, photography, or cooking. Trying new things is a way to not only gain a skill but enhance our life with exploration. Perhaps this hobby is something you did when you were younger and have always yearned to do again.
- Get outside more
Studies show that being outdoors can relieve stress and improve mood. It’s a great way to get the body moving and find peace in nature. It’s also a chance to turn off cell phones, ignore social media, and just be present in our surroundings. Adding nature to your daily routine can be as simple as taking a walk during your lunch break or visiting a local park.
- Cook a new meal once a week
It’s easy to get into a dull routine with making the same foods each week. Trying new dishes can be a fun way to mix up your week and meals. Search online or review your cookbooks for appealing recipes to try. Better yet, make them with friends or family and experiment together.
- Cut down on screen time
Reducing the amount of time you’re on your computer, phone, and social media is one of the best ways to add more time into your daily life for New Year’s resolutions. Studies reveal that social media can be addictive and increase our anxiety. Set a goal to “go dry” in January with no social media and discover how peaceful this can be. You might find you enjoy filling your time with more meaningful pursuits and continue to limit screen time.
Filling your New Year’s resolution list with easy, feel-good goals can be life changing. They may even inspire you to make further changes to create and sustain a happy, fulfilling, and peaceful life.
