It’s a new year and you know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions that start off strong but end up being unachievable, we suggest you start with smaller, modest resolutions that you can accomplish and build upon. Not sure where to start? Check out these five New Year’s resolutions for 2023.
1. Learn or resume a hobby
If you don’t have a hobby or have let it go by the wayside, dedicate some time this year to doing something you enjoy. Hobbies aren’t just activities we do for fun. They can have huge mental and physical health benefits.
According to VeryWell Mind, enjoyable activities can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and combat depression. You don’t have to engage in your hobbies every day to reap the benefits. One study showed that engaging in a physical leisure activity for 20 minutes a week helped people feel less fatigued.
Whether you get back into playing guitar or pick up a new hobby like painting or ballroom dancing, you’re carving out time for yourself that can take your mind off the stresses of everyday life. This is a great New Year’s resolution!
2. Move your body
This year, make it a goal to get your body moving. That doesn’t mean you have to exercise every day for hours at a time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That may sound like a lot, but it breaks down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Take it slow if you’re new to working out or it’s been a while since you’ve exercised. You can even break up 30 minutes of daily activity into smaller chunks. For example, do 10 minutes of brisk walking or aerobic exercise three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day. By breaking up your movement goal into smaller chunks, you can naturally find breaks throughout your day to get moving. Another great New Year’s resolution!
3. Invest in your health
If you want to live a long healthy life, you need to invest in your health. Every year people make New Year’s resolutions to diet and exercise. Instead of “dieting,” make a goal to eat better, and consider adding supplements to your health regimen.
4. Mindfulness
You’ve probably heard about mindfulness, but do you know what it is and its benefits? Simply put, mindfulness is being aware and fully present in your body, mind and environment. According to the National Institutes of Health, practicing mindfulness can have several positive impacts on your health and well-being, including reducing anxiety and depression, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep.
A popular way to practice mindfulness is meditation, but it’s not the only way. You can practice breathing or grounding exercises, go on a walk or take stock of how your body is feeling in the present moment. Mindfulness practices can be short or long, but to start, carve out a few minutes each day to get in touch with your awareness.
5. Improve your finances
A common New Year’s resolution is to be better about saving and spending. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan for improving your financial well-being, there are simple ways to assess your finances and target areas for improvement.
Each month track all your income and expenses. You can do this by using an expense sheet, or you can download an app to make things easier. Once you know where your money is coming from and where it’s going, you can identify areas where you could be spending less and saving more and set financial goals for the year.
Small changes add up quickly and can turn into life-long habits. Using these five New Year’s resolutions tips can help you start the year on the right foot.