The Most Beneficial New Year’s Resolutions
New Year's resolutions have long been a way to take stock of what's truly important in our lives, allowing us to pause and reflect on the year behind us, as well as plan for the year ahead. If living through a global pandemic has taught us anything, it's that we shouldn't take health and wellness for granted. In 2023, improving your body, mind and soul is a great way to organize your long-term goals for the new year.
Focusing on your health and well-being doesn't have to translate to starting a new diet or workout plan, though. You can set your sights on taking charge of your mental health, finally optimizing a better sleep routine or diving headfirst into reclaiming your space.
Start here to create a list of attainable New Year's resolutions that allow you to make healthier lifestyle tweaks every day. You'll kick off the year with a stronger, well-nourished body and an enriched mind if you adopt any of these daily habits.
Exercise more
According to data from Statista, for those making resolutions for 2023, exercising more is the No. 1 goal of the hundreds of participants surveyed. If you've already mastered your cardio workouts in the past few years, why not try incorporating a new routine? A quality set of dumbbells can help elevate your workout, improve your stamina, and build muscle. Plus, they work well with many of the other gadgets in your home gym to reinvigorate your workout.
It's possible that you're already walking (or running) a mile a day. In that case, set a goal to be more active in general. Try parking at the back of the parking lot at the grocery store to get in more steps, or take the stairs instead of the elevator when it makes sense. Set a step or distance goal and get creative about how you achieve it. We bet taking the long way to the park will make you (and your dog) happier!
Drink more water
Here we are...another year of wanting to drink more water. Start small by replacing 1-2 drinks a day with water. Maybe you replace that second cup of coffee with a glass or two of water. Next, buy a smart water bottle or cup. Level up your resolution by trying some healthy add-ins like fresh lemon or lime, fruit, or cucumber.
Get More Quality Sleep
With big TV’s, computers, smartphones, tablets and all sorts of gadgets with glowing lights and beeping alerts, it can be hard to get enough sleep at night. You should be shooting for at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and there are fairly simple ways to achieve this number if you make use of science and everyday hacks.
The first thing to do is set those gadgets aside for at least an hour before bed. This will let your mind slip into bedtime mode and make it much easier to fall asleep.
Spend more time outdoors
Even if you don't consider yourself the outdoorsy type, it's a proven fact that connecting with nature reduces stress. So take a hike (or even a stroll), watch a sunrise or sunset with someone you love, or take that extra lap around the park with your dog. The fresh air will do you good!
Give yourself a new look
Working on your look is just as refreshing as turning over a new leaf internally. Taking off a few inches can make you feel (literally and figuratively) so much lighter in the new year. Even a simple new style or hair color could brighten your days and put pep back into your step in 2023.
Keep a journal
If you've always wanted to keep a consistent journal, whether it's about your day or to record your daily gratitude, why not make this the year you actually do it?! A five-year version like One Line a Day journal allows you to establish a rhythm of journaling by capturing a few thoughts from the day in quick bursts. You might be surprised at how this simple habit will help you record memories, express emotions, and find contentment.
Get organized
The turn of a new year is an ideal opportunity to get organized! Spend some time going through all that stuff you've accumulated lately, one room and closet at a time. Find a local thrift store, or non-profit that is currently taking items, and donate your gently used items. The freedom you feel from a decluttered home will be worth all the effort. Take it one step further by vowing to keep your drawers, shelves, and closets tidy all year round.
Spend more time with family and friends
This one seems to top the list of many people’s New Year’s Resolution lists. If this really is a priority for you, what’s getting in the way? Adults and kids alike have busy schedules that keep families hopping day in and day out at the expense of quality time together. The key is to schedule specific days – or even an hour or two – just to enjoy each other’s company and have fun.
Travel more / Explore new cultures
Are you an adventurous person always after something new? Then, a blind holiday could be the perfect solution for you this year. You can pick a travel map, close your eyes and drop your finger anywhere. This will be your next destination. It feels so exciting, doesn’t it?
Many travel lovers agree that the best way to really get to know a different culture is through its local cuisine. So, why not take the culinary whirlwind tour of your dreams this 2023? From cooking with locals to hand-picking fresh ingredients at colorful markets, there’s a little something for everyone.
You could also taste every country’s national dishes and tick them off your bucket list. Sit down and ask yourself what cultural attractions you’ve yet to experience. Have you ever visited the Colosseum in Rome or Plaza Mayor in Madrid? If the answer is no, now it’s the perfect time to do it! Some landmarks are so dazzling, so magical, that they’re worth braving the distance and potential crowds. No matter your favorite landmark, now you can take it from dream to reality.
Start a hobby / collection
Everyone needs a little down time, and a hobby is an excellent way to force your mind to think about things other than the kids or your job. When you're looking for something to keep your hands busy (and, let's be honest, give you a little zoning-out kind of therapy), try one of the many hobbies out there, like knitting, sewing, or embroidery. If getting outside is a goal, try your hand at gardening. Whatever you pick, remember that easing yourself into a new activity will help you stick with it if it's something you enjoy doing.
Grow a plant
So you don't have a green thumb. Although gardening can be intimidating to some, start small. Try your hand at growing indoor house plants, air plants (you practically do nothing!), or even a container vegetable garden (who doesn't love fresh herbs and grape tomatoes?).
Volunteer regularly
Research shows that pitching in regularly can lead to less stress and lower blood pressure. Try to schedule an outreach mission of your own on a day of service; many recognize Martin Luther King Day as a prime opportunity, or even Veteran's Day in November. So use this day to jumpstart a longer-term personal commitment — and consider working on this goal with loved ones all year round.
Learn or hone a new skill
Leaving your home to learn something new from an expert located across the world isn't necessary anymore. Turn to global leaders and celebrity leaders to boost your memory skills and more. MasterClass has recently announced plans to launch new courses from inspiring leaders like Indra Nooyi to musicians including John Legend in 2023. There's a keen focus on intentional courses like successful wedding planning 101 led by Mindy Weiss and even topics like intentional giving led by Melinda Gates.