Small changes in our daily routines can make a huge difference over time. Here are some of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make so that 2017 is your best year yet!
1. Practice gratitude.
Take a moment each day to appreciate the things that are great about your life. The more you notice your blessings and practice gratitude, the happier you will be!
2. Unplug more.
Resolve to put your phone down more and engage with the people in the world around you. Simple things like banning devices during dinner are a great way to feel more connected and enjoy the moment more.
3. Be kind to yourself.
Give yourself a compliment, or splurge on a small surprise treat. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in your worries or insecurities. Instead, choose to be a little kinder to yourself, and you’ll find you have more strength and energy for the things in life that really matter.
4. Be kind to others.
Whether you’re volunteering your time with a charity organization or just doing a favor for a friend, doing things for other people is a great way to boost your happiness. Do small acts of kindness each day to make 2015 a great year for you and your community.
5. Learn something new.
Learning new skills makes you more confident, and you might even discover a new passion for life. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, speak a new language, or take photos like a pro, 2017 is the perfect time to learn.
6. Get active.
Exercise releases endorphins that make you happier, and keeps your body in shape. If you’re not very active, try adding a walk to your daily routine, riding your bike to work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
7. Take a trip.
Traveling is a great way to destress and learn more about the world. Even if you can’t afford a big vacation, why not take a day trip to a nearby destination? Seeing new places is refreshing, and you’ll feel like you’re going on an adventure.
8. Cross something off your bucket list.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? It can be something big, like skydiving, or something smaller like writing a loved one a poem. Whatever it is, find a way to make it happen in 2017, and you’ll have a memory that will last you the rest of your life.
9. Cook something fabulous.
If you’re not great in the kitchen, learn to cook a few stand-out dishes that will impress guests, as well as easy meals that don’t come from a box. If you’re already a great cook, why not try something fancy, like a French pastry or rolling your own sushi? Master some new dishes in 2015 and have fun showing them off!
10. Spend more time with loved ones.
Life is all about the people you spend it with. Take more time for your family and friends this year and see how much richer your days become!
11. Read a great book.
A great book has the power to touch your heart, expand your mind, and even stimulate your creativity. Reading also trains your brain to focus better, an important skill in our increasingly distracted world. Even if you just read a few pages before bed each night, squeeze in some time with a good book and you’re sure to feel the benefits.
12. Go outside.
Take a quick walk in the morning or after dinner and notice things like the color of the sky, the plants around you, and the way the air feels. Getting outside is relaxing, and sunlight helps your body make Vitamin D.
13. Kick a bad habit.
Whether you need to stop overeating desserts, cut down on your TV time, or quit smoking, make this the year that you finally kick your bad habit. Think about it — with your bad habit out of the way, you’ll have more time and energy to enjoy doing the things you really love.
14. Celebrate more.
Celebrate your accomplishments and those of your loved ones! Don’t let achievements go by unacknowledged. The more you celebrate, the more opportunities you will find to share happiness with the ones who matter to you the most.
15. Have fun!
Most importantly, have fun! It’s your life and you get to decide how to make the best of it. Go through your days with a smile and you’re sure to have a very happy new year!
What are some of the best New Year’s resolutions you’ve made? What is your resolution this year? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Megan L.