New Year’s resolutions are always easier said than done. You might confidently toast on New Year’s Eve with the goal of changing your diet, redoing your entire wardrobe, or saving up to buy that car you’ve always wanted. However, when mid-January rolls around, you COULD find yourself unable to keep up with your goals. This year, instead of going big or going home, we suggest picking a few small New Year’s resolutions and sticking with them until next December. Need some suggestions? We got you covered.
Read a Good Book
It’s so easy to crawl into bed at night and pull out your smartphone, getting lost down the Facebook rabbit hole – one minute, you’re scrolling down your newsfeed, and the next thing you know you’re stalking your ex’s page from 2008. Instead, pick up a book! There’s nothing like getting lost inside a character’s head or learning something new, and getting off Facebook or Instagram for a few hours is refreshing. Try Paula Hawkin’s Girl on a Train for a chilling mystery, Chimamanda Adiche’s Americanah for romance, or Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? for a good laugh.
Mix it up in the kitchen
Don’t fall into boring, routine eating habits this year – mix it up! Cooking is a great way to relieve stress, and can save you money and calories compared to those heavy restaurant servings. Love French toast? Try this healthier version with pecans and bananas. Not really into cooking? There are plenty of easy recipes – like slow cooker meals – that don’t take much time or energy. Start saving recipes you enjoy and swapping ideas with friends to make 2016 the best year for your taste buds yet.
Floss Every Day
How many times have you gone to the dentist, and sheepishly answered, “No” to the inevitable question of whether or not you’ve been flossing? Probably more than once. Change your habit this year! It’s an easy routine to get into, and will make you feel better about yourself. Chances are a healthy habit of flossing will motivate you to keep up with other healthy habits in your daily routine, like washing your face or removing your eye makeup at night. One small step for dental hygiene, one large step for an overall healthy lifestyle!
Travel Somewhere New
Get out of your comfort zone this year! Rather than going to your routine spots, try exploring somewhere new. It doesn’t have to be an expensive trip to Europe or the Bahamas. Maybe you’ve never seen Mount Rushmore or been to the top of the Space Needle –even a weekend trip an hour or two away from your home can be eye-opening. Traveling can be one of the best experiences, so grab your family, friends and camera and see something new!
Dance in the Rain
This last is a bit cheesy, we know. But this one can be taken literally or metaphorically. Literally – yes – go dance in the rain! Splash in puddles! Don’t worry about getting your shoes muddy. It’s also a metaphor to do something a little crazy this year. Take a trip by yourself. Go bungee jumping. Take a cooking class. Get a nicer camera to capture special moments. Do something, anything, to take a step out of your comfort zone! Don’t let work, school, or other obligations get in the way of having fun and making 2016 memorable.
Good luck, and have a happy new year!
