10 New Year’s Resolutions

Did you know that the main reason so many people fail their New Year’s resolutions is because they think unrealistically? As we enter into the New Year, it is a good idea to start thinking about your new year’s resolutions for 2025. This doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Simply making small changes can lead to a much more productive life and a sense of well-being. Here are some simple habits you can try to implement into your life this new year.

1. Get Active

Working out doesn’t have to be a painful and daunting task. There are lots of fun ways to get active this upcoming year, even if you are super busy. Here are some practical things you can do:

  • Go on a walk or bike ride
  • Dance
  • Do yoga
  • Take the stairs

By making some active choices in your everyday life, you can greatly reduce your chances of heart disease and start feeling more energetic now!

2. Drink More Water

“Choose water first for thirst' is a good way to make the better choice more automatic,” says Carol Smathers. Water is our most essential dietary need, and you would be surprised how many people fail to get the amount of hydration they should have. Some tips to help you drink more water this year include:

  • Set daily goals of how much water you want to drink
  • Create reminders or alarms
  • Track your water intake (There are apps to help you do this!)
  • Add flavors to your water

3. Build A Better Budget

Looking for how to lower your stress levels this year? Well, start with having a balanced budget. Does the idea of having to create a whole new budget feel impossible for you right now? Just remember, you don’t have to figure it out all alone, there are budgeting apps that can help you and make the process painless. Any spreadsheet program can be a great tool for this, too.

4. Start Journaling

Have you ever experienced the overwhelming feeling of having so much going on in your head? Well, you aren’t alone in that feeling. It has been proven that one of the best ways to alleviate that overwhelm is by writing things down. Journaling provides a great escape from the craziness of life and also serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection. By looking back at your past entries, you can see how far you have come and what goals you are still seeking to accomplish.

5. Clean & Declutter Your Home

While cleaning might be a very common New Year’s resolution, it still holds a lot of value. Did you know that people with clean homes tend to be happier and less stressed? Decluttering your home helps you become more organized and therefore more productive. Cleaning can feel overwhelming and exhausting so remember this golden rule for decluttering: go room by room and take breaks!

6. Start Investing

Did you know that it is very beneficial for you to start investing as young as possible? Investing is a powerful tool for achieving long-term financial health and stability. It is a worthwhile skill and an effective way to put your money towards assets that could potentially build your wealth.

7. Learn A New Skill

Our hobbies are what make up our identity and personality. Take on the adventure of trying something new this year and learn a new talent. During this journey, you'll encounter both setbacks and triumphs, along with plenty of laughter. Plus, you will have acquired a new skill to add to your tool belt.

8. Make Time To See Your Loved Ones

As we go into this next year, it can be easy to get caught up in all the busyness and chaos of life. One important thing to remember this year is to not overlook your close family and friends. Our loved ones are those who support us, shape our sense of belonging, and love us no matter what we are going through. So, even though you may be entering a busy year, make the time to prioritize seeing those whom you cherish.

9. Volunteer

We have all at one point in our lives been touched by the generosity and kindness of someone else. In the New Year, pay it forward to someone else by volunteering. Volunteering is not only fulfilling and supports those in your community, but it also benefits you in many ways:

  • Meet new people
  • Develop new skills
  • Build connections
  • Increase your overall happiness

10. Build An Emergency Fund

Want to have more peace of mind when it comes to your finances? Start by building an emergency fund. It is crucial for you and your family to have an emergency fund. Even simply setting aside $1,000 can provide financial stability. Having an emergency fund will help you avoid relying on other forms of credit or loans when unexpected expenses come up.

5 Easy Steps To Build An Emergency Fund

  1. Open a new savings account at your financial institution.
  2. Save enough money to cover three to six months of expenses. (If that’s overwhelming, try to save $1,000 to start)
  3. Deposit small amounts into your monthly savings until you reach your target goal.
  4. Only use the account for true emergencies.
  5. Replenish the account if/when you have to draw from it.

As we get ready to tackle this New Year full of busyness and new opportunities, embrace it all with an open heart and set some exciting goals for yourself. This is your chance to hit the restart button and refresh with a new life this year!