Whether or not new year’s resolutions are your thing, it’s safe to say we’re all looking forward to 2021. After a year of disappointment and uncertainty, the promise and possibility of a brighter future excites us.
Rather than setting up for failure with epic life changes, why not set small achievable goals that will make you feel successful? And improve your health and well-being along the way?
With that in mind, here are a dozen do-able new year’s resolutions that will improve your confidence and quality of life. Without making you feel like you dropped the ball again.
Begin a budget
Or stick with one you’ve started. I used to run out of month before money until I began using EveryDollar to track all my income and expenses.
Available both on desktop and as a mobile app, you enter your budget at the beginning of the month, and track each and every one of your expenses as you make them.
Marie Kondo your closet
Declutter your closet and donate those old clothes to a good cause. If that seems too daunting, clean out one small space in your home, like a drawer.
The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from conquering this one task will likely spur you on to tackle other areas of your home.
Set a reading goal
Increase your reading time with a goal of, say, 25 books this year. If you’re an avid reader, up that to 50.
Invite your reading buddies and start a Facebook group to keep each other accountable. Post reviews to help each other find new books to read.
Sober January
If you’re not already alcohol-free, start with one month and see where it leads. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
Who knows, you might decide you want more of that energy throughout the year and reduce or eliminate your intake for good.
Drink more water
This one sounds simple. But many fail to follow through on their hydration goals because they doubt it really makes a difference.
Read here for incentive to add water intake to your new year’s resolutions this year.
Lift weights
No, you don’t have to go all Arnold on yourself. Three to five pound weights or soup cans will do the trick. Or use resistance bands to induce the same effect.
Resistance exercises such as lifting light to moderate weights will lengthen your life and reduce the threat of osteoporosis. That makes bones weak and brittle (porous), and gives some elderly people their hunched over appearance.
Take up a new hobby
Do something new for the fun of it, not for competition or money. Tap into what you like to do instead of what you have to do.
Create a playlist
Make a playlist for your daily walk or exercise time. Or create one for those days when you feel down and need encouragement.
Journal
Take time each day to write down your likes and dislikes. Jot down how you’re feeling and get to know yourself better.
Take walks in nature
Walking is the easiest, most accessible form of exercise. It requires nothing more than a decent pair of shoes and a little time.
And nature adds a proven healing element. Besides its stress-reducing properties, the smell of trees and plants promotes healthy biological changes.
Put your phone away
While this is good advice at any time, putting your phone away 2 hours before bedtime will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.
Do the crossword
Crossword puzzles keep your mind active and engaged. There’s even evidence they provide protection against mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Bonus benefit: bonding and teamwork when completed with a loved one or friend.
Light a scented candle
Smell is one of the senses we tend to put last. But scents such as lavender (my favorite) and vanilla help you relax and reduce stress.