The time of the year has come yet again when we promise to change something once the new year hits. New year, new me, right? Some of us plan to lose that extra holiday weight, while others want to learn a new language. The reality is that while we commit to this goal for the first month or so of the year, most people eventually fall off. By the year’s end, we are full of regret and disappointment. When the next year hits, we repeat the process. Unfortunately, this is the reality for all too many.
However, it’s not that we can’t do it; our New Year’s resolutions are generally unrealistic or unattainable. Instead, set yourself up for success with these reasonable resolutions you can commit to! The rule of thumb is to follow the 21/90 rule: it takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. Minor changes are the stepping stones to significant success, so let’s get to it.
1. Drink More Water
Increasing daily water intake is a simple, sustainable resolution. Replacing soda or alcohol with water supports overall health and is easier than cutting habits outright. Use a refillable bottle or hydration-tracking app to stay consistent and aim for steady intake throughout the day.
A good way to keep track is to buy yourself a water bottle that holds at least 8 ounces for your desk. There are ones with time-based goals that show where you should be, like this one on Amazon. Or try a hydration app that reminds you to drink throughout the day, such as Waterllama. Then, challenge yourself to refill it at least eight times a day!
2. More Movement!
Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, add light activity into your routine. Adding more walking to your daily routine can be a massive change with drastic results. Daily walking—whether to grab coffee, run errands, or commute—can significantly improve health. A target of 8,000–10,000 steps per day is a practical benchmark. You may be surprised by the changes you see in your body when walking becomes a part of your daily routine!
3. Read More Books
Screen time often replaces reading, but even one book per month can improve focus and cognitive health. eBooks, apps, and online communities make it easy to access and track your reading. Even if you only commit to reading 12 books a year (one per month), that’s 12 books you may not have read otherwise. Consider joining or creating a book club for added motivation, or create a Goodreads account to keep track of the books you’ve read. Give it a shot and see!
4. Set a Manageable Financial Goal
Let’s face it: we can all benefit from saving more money than usual. We must think about those small things! If you have some extra change, put it into a jar for savings. Check with your isure broker to see if you can save money on your premiums. Instead of ordering takeout, throw a cheap meal together and immediately transfer the takeout money into your savings. At the end of the year, you’ll be shocked by how much you can save when you put your mind to it!
As humans, we tend to hoard our successes rather than celebrate them! Perhaps it’s because we interpret it as boasting or bragging, but the reality is that our accomplishments should be congratulated. Your friends and family want to know and see that you are doing well. So, showing them your hard work is paying off should inspire their efforts. It is a domino effect of positivity. At the same time, when someone shares good news, celebrate their achievements. The world can use more happiness and success, starting with us.
6. Cook Something New for Dinner
Is your meal roster getting a bit stale? A good New Year’s resolution is to put on your chef’s hat and test your skills in the kitchen. Many excellent websites, such as HelloFresh and Chef’s Plate, offer affordable meal kits. Instead of ordering takeout, try preparing whatever you would order at home! It will help you expand your repertoire, become a better cook, and save you money. That’s two New Year’s resolutions in one! To put yourself to the test, host more dinner parties and share your recipes with your friends. After all, there is nothing like having a nice home-cooked meal with the ones you love.
7. Get Your Beauty Sleep Regularly
Do you find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning? Do you stay up just a bit too late binge-watching Netflix? Having a bit too much coffee during the day? Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is key to your long-term mental and physical health. On top of this, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every evening. This will get your body used to a consistent schedule, helping you feel more refreshed in the morning.
8. Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can seem daunting. However, it makes for a perfect New Year’s resolution that we can benefit greatly from! When you step out of your comfort zone, you allow your body to grow while discovering your sense of self. This leads to more confidence, productivity, and creativity. A good way to step out of your comfort zone is to do something you’ve always wanted but have been nervous about trying. Is skydiving something you’ve wanted to attempt but have yet to get around to? How about braving the notorious EdgeWalk at Toronto’s CN Tower? By taking part in these life-changing moments you’ve always dreamt of, you allow yourself to create memories to last a lifetime!
9. Drink Less Alcohol
Participating in Dry January or simply reducing intake can improve sleep, energy, and overall health. Even moderate drinkers benefit from cutting back, and the financial savings are an added bonus. Reducing the amount you drink can benefit you both mentally and physically. Even if you aren’t a heavy drinker, you’ll sleep better and feel less sluggish the following day, which will give you more energy. An added bonus: you’ll likely see the scale go down!
10. Start a Journal
It may seem silly to some, but starting a journal can be an excellent New Year’s resolution! Not only is it easy, but it’s also super beneficial. Journals are a great way to help you achieve your goals and reduce stress and anxiety. All while improving your writing and communication skills! It is also an excellent way to stay on top of your daily routine. If a journal isn’t for you, a day planner is also an excellent way to stay on track with your goals and daily life.
New Year’s Resolutions: Conclusion
These little New Year’s resolutions may seem like little, but combine a few, and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. There is no better time to ensure your insurance is up to date than the new year. Are you in the market for a new provider? If so, why not check out isure? We offer some of the best prices and customer service, and we’re always there when you need us. Start your New Year by contacting us at isure or requesting a quote today!
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