From losing weight to getting a new job, we’re all guilty of falling victim to the predictable New Year’s resolutions (not that getting healthy or advancing your career are bad resolutions to make). But this year, rather than making the same goals as everyone else, strive to accomplish things that will make you feel better on the inside and outside. This year do yourself a favour and make some non-traditional resolutions.
Be more present
In the hustle and bustle of your life, it’s way too easy to get caught up and to forget to appreciate the small things. Like the saying, stop and smell the roses, stop and take a moment to enjoy the simple things in life. A baby laughing, an inside joke, your favourite dessert or a picturesque view. This way you can truly soak up every incredible conscious feeling.
Give back more regularly
Regardless of where you’re from, there are always organizations and charities that need extra hands, especially after the holiday season is over. This year, make it your goal to volunteer at least once a month. It feels so good and it’s a great way to connect with people you’ve never met before.
Get cultured
Rather than spending the rest of winter hiding indoors Netflix n’ chilling, go out and embrace the arts. You can check out some local indie films, get lost in a museum, find a new favourite artist in an art gallery or check out some live music. Whichever you choose, it’s important to be exposed to new things.
Read off-screen
Ask yourself, when was the last time that you actually dove into a good book? And, no, that doesn’t mean reading a novel on your iPad or on your phone. For many of us, physically reading a book could have been ages ago and it’s something we all need to do more of. Plus, with tons of new books out and more being released this year, there’s no shortage of good reads to get lost in.
Be a better friend
It’s easy to get caught up with relationships, work and family drama and to leave your friends on the back burner because you know they’ll always be there. But your friends deserve your attention just as much as everyone and everything else. This year, make sure to make time for all of your girlfriends. Plan special outings and activities and this way you’ll appreciate your time with them.
Ditch the diet
While dieting always seems like a go-to New Year’s resolution, the truth is it doesn’t matter how disciplined you are, you’re inevitably going to slip. But rather than beating yourself up (and giving up all of your favourite snacks), focus on improving your overall lifestyle instead. By exercising more and eating cleaner, you’ll feel better on the inside and outside. And once you start living healthier, losing weight will come easier.
Stop trying to meet “the one”
Constantly being on the lookout for “the one” puts so much pressure on you and it’s enough to make you go a little crazy. Rather than forcing something to happen, focus your energy on having fun and doing you. If history has taught us anything, once you stop looking, you tend to start meeting all the right people.
Stop taking things so seriously
Life can be tough sometimes and things don’t always go as planned. But it’s important to remember that every rough patch or bump in the road will eventually pass and that there’s no point stressing and thinking the worst. Let yourself stress, grieve or vent, but then let it issue pass.
Improve your posture
For those who sit at a desk for living it’s easy to get caught sitting for long periods of throughout the day. In 2017, make it a priority to improve your posture, because the human body was designed to move — not to sit in a chair for several hours at a time. Over time, bad habits lead to fatigue, depression, pain and headaches. Practice sitting up straight and stretching frequently.
Disconnect more
We are a generation that is constantly connected to their devices. Between working and socializing, it’s hard to find a moment to unplug and focus on those around you. While it always feels hard to disconnect and leave your device alone, it’s extremely important to unplug. At some point throughout the day, stash your phone in another room and be present. Remember, social media can wait.
