12 Resolutions For The New Year
It’s a new year. A fresh start. A clean slate. It’s the chance to choose to be better. To choose to be stronger. To choose to be kinder. To choose to be more fiscally responsible. Let’s empower you with a New Year’s resolution to kick-start a better you.
Health & Wellness
1. Eat Healthier
We can always improve our eating habits. If you only eat one meal a day, quit skipping meals and start eating three, small-portioned meals a day. If you are a snacky person, try to cut back on the amount of snack times. Another way to eat healthier is by watching what you eat. Instead of fast food runs, try a home cooked meal with whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
2. Move Your Body
You don’t have to have an expensive gym membership to lose weight and keep in shape. Make a New Year’s resolution to move! Do dance breaks at work when you need a brain break. Use a standing desk. Go for weekly walks with a friend. Just move a little bit every day – more than you currently do to start practicing a healthier lifestyle.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Do you run on less sleep than you need? Poor sleep can harm your health. Less than eight hours can lead to mental health issues, changes in your appearance, a weakened immune system, and more. Sleep is foundational in cardiovascular health and brain health. Make sleep a priority and start working toward a consistent sleep schedule this new year.
4. Stay Hydrated
No, not with tea, coffee, soda, and other high-sugar, caffeinated drinks. Make water your best friend this year. According to the Mayo Clinic, women need about 11.5 cups a day and men need about 15.5 cups a day. That’s a lot, so start off small. Find a 20-ounce tumbler and try to drink 1-2 of them every day. Throughout the year, try to increase your water intake and cut out some of the junk.
Financial Resolutions
5. Create (& Stick) To A Budget
Trying to avoid overspending is difficult without a budget. A budget is a great way to see how much money you bring in and how much goes out in a month. It gives you an overview of your spending habits. Plus, with a budget, you can take that overview and make adjustments to better align with your future goals, such as saving an emergency fund or determining how much you can afford for a new car or house.
Start with the budgeting basics here.
6. Build An Emergency Fund
Accidents happen. Emergencies happen. You can’t predict when they are going to happen; however, you can build an emergency fund to help you get out of a serious situation. This year, make it your resolution to build an emergency fund and be prepared for the next unexpected expense. Start with opening a savings account with your local financial institution, then slowly transfer funds into that account. Create a goal for how much you want in that account by the end of the year, and a realistic action plan to get you there.
7. Pay Down Debt
Is your debt weighing on you and holding you back from your goals? Take your money back and make a plan to manage your debt this year. Evaluate how much you owe, create a game plan, and get a handle on your debt, so next year you can achieve your next financial goal.
Fun & Creative Resolutions
8. Read More Books
Reading offers cognitive, emotional, and learning benefits. Diving into a good book can reduce your stress, expand your vocabulary, and improve your focus. Plus, it’s an escape to another world! Set a goal to read at least one book a month, or whatever seems reasonable, to get this resolution off to a strong start.
9. Learn A New Hobby
If you find yourself scrolling too much on your phone, find another way to occupy those hands! A new hobby expands your knowledge and can result in new friends who share your interests. Some new hobbies you can take on this year are:
- Gardening
- Scrapbooking
- Painting
- Knitting/Crocheting
- Photography
- Hiking
- Running
- Woodworking
- Candle/soap making
- Streaming/podcasting
10. Plan An Adventure
When was the last time you went on a trip? You don’t have to cross an ocean to have an adventure. Challenge yourself to explore the towns and cities near you. Take day trips to discover new restaurants and shops. Become a local tourist!
Social Resolutions
11. Volunteer
Dedicate your extra time to those who need it. Find local pantries and other organizations to volunteer at as your New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s donating time, skills, or resources, giving back helps others and fills your own cup with purpose and joy.
12. Stay In Touch With Loved Ones
Life gets busy. This year, make a conscious effort to stay connected with your loved ones. Whether it’s a quick text, a weekly call, or a surprise letter in the mail, it will show the people you love that you are thinking about them and care.
The new year isn’t just a calendar change; it’s a chance to reset and focus on what and who you want to be. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Here’s to a year of growth!