It’s 2019 and you’ve already seen “New year, new me” pictures posted all over Instagram, but despite the fatigue around this motivational saying, a new year really is a good time to start things from scratch and make some improvements in your life.
New Year’s resolutions have a bad reputation for never being fulfilled, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to set some goals that can improve your health, career, love life and well-being in general. To avoid being disappointed, try to make a list of attainable goals that are actually relevant for you and don’t forget that attempting major lifestyle changes all of a sudden rarely leads to lasting benefits. Instead, take baby steps towards self-improvement and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Write down the goals you plan to work on and don’t be afraid to include the small, seemingly insignificant changes, because in time, they can have a major impact.
And if you need some New Year resolution ideas apart from getting a gym membership, here are some categories that definitely deserve your attention:
Home & Family
- Call or visit your elderly relatives more often – not just your parents, but also older grandparents that you might only see once a year.
- Set up a regular game night so the whole family can get together every once in a while. And since you’ll be playing games, it will be more fun and less awkward!
- Learn to cook. You don’t need to reach a master chef level, but experiment with simple, 5-ingredient recipes until you’ve mastered the basics. Cooking and eating at home more often is not only healthier, but also more relaxing.
- Schedule a date night with your loved one every week, even if you live together. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by other responsibilities, so a weekly date will help you keep the flame burning.
- Add some greenery into your home. Even small, low-maintenance plants such as succulents or rubber plants, improve air quality and make your home brighter.
- Do a complete home clean-up one weekend. It’s not fun, but you will feel much better after you do it and your newly polished home will become an oasis of relaxation.
Money & Career
- Use a spending tracker. Seeing where your money goes will help you re-center your priorities and save money in the long run.
- Buy less, use more. Try to go at least one sales season without making unnecessary purchases and think of creative ways to re-use home items before throwing them away.
- Have an honest talk with yourself regarding work. Do you love your job? Do you want to work there for another year or are you ready for a new project?
- Pay more attention to feedback, whether you are the giver or the receiver.
- Volunteer at least once. There are many causes that can use your help, from environmental to social ones, and taking just a little bit of your time can mean the world to someone else.
- Learn to delegate. It’s a vital skill to have, and it also clears out your schedule, so that you can focus on the bigger picture.
- Speak up more at work. Sharing your point of view in a professional way does not make you bossy, nor does it get you in trouble.
- Ask for that raise or promotion. Breath in, stand up straight and plead for your case. Who knows, maybe it will be much easier than you expected!
Health, Wellness & Personal Life
- Make more time for yourself. Find at least one evening every week to unwind and practice self-care. Whether your idea of relaxation is to read a book while soaking in a home sauna or having your manicure professionally done, self-care is crucial for your wellbeing.
- Take more offline time. Living without your cell phone in our connected world is almost impossible for most people, but, from time to time, remember to put your phone down and focus on yourself, your friends and family. The occasional 3-day digital detox can help you stay grounded in reality and escape the pressure and anxiety caused by social media.
- Walk and cycle more. It’s a lighter form of exercise compared to going to the gym, but it can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
- Travel to a new place. From the romantic streets of Paris to the silvery sands of Greece, the world is filled with beautiful places to explore. Even if you don’t have the budget for a luxurious city break, you can still find good deals online or look for fun places to see in your area. Travelling and experiencing new cultures broaden your horizons, relieve stress and help you grow as a person.
- More books, less screen time. Instead of scrolling your newsfeed before going to bed, read a few pages from a book, because both your sleep and your mood will improve.
- Go to the theater more. In the golden years of Hollywood blockbusters and comic book movies, the theater can help you discover a deeper side of entertainment.
- Let go of toxic friends. If you’ve known them for ages, but being around them only brings conflict, frustration and self-doubt, you are better off without them.
- Eat clean one day every week. It doesn’t have to be full vegan. You can include healthier alternatives gradually, until eating clean becomes a habit, not a chore.
- Find a hobby, or make more time for the hobbies you already have. Whether it’s reading, snowboarding, or collecting old calendars, a hobby allows you to spend more time with yourself and press pause on your busy schedule.