The Best Resolutions that Have Nothing to do with Your Body
| 2 min read
Every year, millions of people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight so they can fit into that one pair of skinny jeans again. And every year, most people give up those resolutions before January ends. While it’s important to exercise more and eat better to improve your physical health, it’s also important to take steps to boost your overall well-being. That’s why, this New Year’s Day, aim to make at least one resolution that has nothing to do with your body. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Call a good friend every week. It can be easy to get caught up in your own world and fall out of touch with old friends. But Australian researchers found that people with a large circle of friends live longer than those who are more isolated. Make a point to catch up with good friends by calling one every week.
- Become more mindful. A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research shows that participating in mindful-based activities such as meditation and yoga actually reduces depression and anxiety. Take some time to reflect and clear your mind by checking out the Headspace app.
- Create less waste. Vow to become more aware of the stuff cycling through your home. Everything you bring in gets used by your family in some way, so try to reuse and recycle as much as possible. Check out reduce.org for great ideas on how to be less wasteful.
- Cook more. Getting in the habit of cooking your own meals can be difficult and time consuming, but it has loads of benefits. Cooking is more cost-effective than eating out, and over time this savings can really add up. It’s also much healthier, with studies like this one from Johns Hopkins University showing that people who cook frequently consume around 200 fewer calories and four fewer teaspoons of sugar a day. Cooking at home can also be relaxing. Don’t think so? Check out these tips on how to feel more comfortable in the kitchen.
- Continue your education. Learning about new things can give you a sense of accomplishment and broaden your world. There are plenty of free online courses from top universities (see them at Coursera and edX). Sign up for one in a topic you’re curious about and see where it takes you.
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Photo credit: jennie-o
