8 New Year’s resolutions that actually work
Instead of a New Year’s resolution that rights a wrong in your life, why not resolve to make some positive changes? Here are a few suggestions …
New Year’s resolutions are supposed to mark a new start as we say goodbye to the old year. Instead of the standard resolutions that seek to resolve personal issues like being overweight, smoking, drinking too much and exercising too little, why not make a few positive resolutions that are uplifting instead of self-denying? Let’s face it, we all need a bit of positivity at the moment.
Here are a few ideas…
1. Smile more
People haven’t been smiling much recently and mask-wearing doesn’t really help. Make it your New Year’s mission to smile at people you pass (at a safe distance) in the street or on a walk, and say hello. It’s such a small gesture but can really brighten people’s day.
2. Think positive
Positive thinking, or an optimistic attitude, is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.
That doesn’t mean you ignore reality or make light of problems. It simply means you approach the good and the bad in life with the expectation that things will go well.
3. Actually speak to friends
It’s easy to forget you can actually speak to people on phones as well as texting, e-mailing or WhatsApping. Instead of typing something to your mates in the New Year, resolve to actually pick up the phone and speak to them sometimes. You may be surprised how nice it is to hear their voice and just have a good ol’ chinwag. It’ll lift your spirits way more than a WhatsApp message could.
4. Find a home hobby
We’re not talking stamp collecting (unless, of course, that appeals), but you could try something creative, like making your own cards or gifts, or even learning a language online. There really are loads of new things you can try at home.
5. Stop putting things off
Many people have tasks they’d been putting off for years, like cleaning out cupboards and drawers, or reading that book that’d been gathering dust on the bedside table. If you haven’t finished any tasks or have been putting off starting them, resolve to finally do them in the New Year.
6. Support local businesses
It may not even have crossed your mind when you’re ordering a takeaway, for instance, but have you been buying from national chains or local businesses? Small local businesses have really been struggling because of pandemic restrictions, so resolve to be mindful about who you give your trade to in the New Year, and buy local if you can – it’ll help local tradespeople, and might make you feel good too.
7. Get outside more
Set yourself a goal to explore different areas near you on a walk every day/week depending on how much time you’ve got. And if you already go outside with your dog every day, don’t just go on the same walks each time – resolve to find out what your area has to offer, you might be surprised.
8. Be grateful
As we shift into 2024, remember what matters to you most.
