A new year, a new you? We know it’s cliche but the thought of setting a new goal to kick off 2020 is just too tempting. Trying to commit to a huge change is difficult, often leading to many people giving up before January is even over.
With that in mind, we’ve created a list of 10 easy to keep New Year’s Resolutions that will leave you feeling happier and healthier this year.
Take a look and see which one you fancy giving a go.
Build a better budget.
If there’s one New Year’s resolution that will help you the most in the long run, it’s making a vow to save more money. Whether you save for a holiday, a wedding, or you want to pay off some debts, this can be a really beneficial resolution to make.
Before you head back to the office, outline a budget that works for you — and make a plan for how you’ll stick to it. Apps like Mint and You Need a Budget (YNAB) can help you do this as painlessly as possible.
Cook one new thing each week.
Everyone wants to eat healthier in the new year, but a fad diet isn’t going to last long. Instead, you should also try to eat more diverse foods. After all, variety is the spice of life. This year, choose an easy dinner recipe you’ve never tried before at least once a week. Try getting inspired by browsing recipe sites like BBC Good Food.
Wear workout gear that makes you feel good.
Spend the afternoon shopping for workout clothes that flatter your body: Studies show that what we wear affects the way we feel, which impacts our ability to get stuff done,We love the Lululemon Align Pant II, which are lightweight with a high rise fit, so they’re flattering without making you feel like you’re wearing shapewear.
Read more books.
The weather is bleak, and the party season is on hold for now – which makes January is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a new book. Keep yourself accountable to this New Year’s resolution by opening a Goodreads account and reviewing each book you read. By next year, you’ll have a clear snapshot of how well you accomplished this goal.
Donate old clothes.
Join a club.
Starting a new hobby is one thing, but joining a club will help you meet new people in the process. Sites like Meetup can help you find a group of people with similar interests in your area. They are becoming increasingly popular – so whether it’s latin dancing, book club, or a cinema club, there’s bound to be something to try out.
Drink less alcohol.
Dry January is a really popular resolution, but why not try cutting down instead of just giving it up for one month then going back to your old habits?
You already know you don’t need to drink to have fun — and so why not make this year the one you cut back and join the sober curious movement? Doing so could improve your mood, sleep, skin, and immune system for the whole year – not just January.
Share your resolutions one-on-one.
Studies indicate that sharing progress can help you keep going, so why not set a resolution with your partner or a friend and share your progress. Confide in one friend, “then share achievements with others when you’re on the road to success.”
Eat veggies regularly.
Whether you’re slimming down or just staying healthy, vegetables are your friends and they don’t have to be boring! Instead of boiling, sauté onions, peppers, mushrooms, corn — whatever you have in the freezer — and toss that on a bed of baby arugula and spinach. Delicious and exciting!
Book all your doctor’s visits for the year.
