It’s 2014. How are you going to make this year better than all your previous years? Got a list of resolutions? How easy is it to stick to the New Year’s?
I know it’s difficult! So I put a list together here for some ideas for simple resolutions that can make a big difference.
- Take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators to get your daily dose of exercise.
- Start running a little further each time you run.
- Walk or ride your bicycle more often instead of driving.
- Be more than punctual—try to be early for every meeting you attend.
- Schedule some “me” time to turn off your cell phone, computer and other electronic devices.
- Don’t use your cell phone during work meetings, social events or dinner.
- Make more personal phone calls instead of sending emails and texts.
- Don’t text and drive (as a matter of fact, don’t use your phone at all while driving).
- Cook at home more often—you will learn new cooking skills, its healthy and save money.
- You know it’s the most important meal of the day, so why skip it? Give yourself an extra 15 minutes in the morning to prepare and eat a good breakfast, like organic cage-free eggs, oatmeal or a green smoothie.
- Write one handwritten letter a month to someone special.
- Bring more to the table at every meeting—speak up and voice your opinion.
- Be more willing to talk to others and learn something about strangers.
- Sign up for a dance or art class or learn a musical instrument.
- Enjoy the seclusion and solitude of eating a meal alone.
- Read one new book each month.
- Turn off the Internet and television and read a book before falling asleep.
- Make more eye contact during conversations.
- Use your credit cards for emergencies only by removing them from your purse or wallet. Only spend with whatever cash you bring with you.
- Refrain from gossiping and listening to gossip. You’ll be a more trustworthy person and will engage in more productive conversations.
- Make healthy swaps when you can. Substitute soy or almond milk for dairy and try using coconut or olive oil instead of butter and margarine.
- Choose organic when possible and spare your body the harmful pesticides.
- Try portion control when eating meals. Put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately to prevent eating a second helping.
- Use products that are eco-friendly and don’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Be more open and communicative with others. You’ll likely gain more respect and cooperation from them.
- Get more vitamin D by taking some time to spend outside. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Stop late-night snacking: your body will take the calories and store them as fat.
- Floss your teeth more often.
- Try cutting fat from your diet. Fat is not a good energy source and causes major reductions in your physical endurance.
- Do more of what you enjoy doing.
- Spend a few hours a week enjoying time with your family. Don’t allow any external distractions.
- Start recycling by having a designated bin available and educate yourself about what items are recyclable.
- Grow a simple garden: start with herbs that are easy to grow and maintain.
- Don’t litter.
- Spend time once a quarter to de-clutter your home. Get rid of anything you don’t use or haven’t worn in a year.
- Learn something new every day.
- Start saving for a family vacation today.
- Invest in your retirement.
- Incorporate more vegetables in your meals.
- Buy fresh vegetables instead of canned, which often don’t have as many vitamins and minerals.
- Designate a family dinner night that everyone must attend.
- Walk your dog every evening after dinner.
- Keep in touch with loved ones – update address books, email addresses and phone numbers.
- Pick up a new hobby.
- Make a spa day once every few months – whether it’s pampering at home or booking at a salon.
- Help others by volunteering.
- Build a community garden.
- Donate furniture and clothes that you no longer use to those in need.
- Get organized.
- Do a safe walk of your house – replace smoke alarm batteries, check locks on windows and doors.
- Save energy this year – replace appliances and light bulbs.
- Use more of your kitchen appliances – pull out the slow-cooker, stand mixer, bread maker and juicer.
- Plan birthday and holiday gifts ahead of time to save with sales and deals.
- Pay off your credit cards.
- For everything negative you say, say two things that are positive.
- Eat more high quality dark chocolate – it’s loaded with antioxidants.
- Listen to more of your favorite type of music. Music boosts spirits and helps reduce depression.
- Boost your energy and health by adding fresh juices or green smoothies into your everyday diet.
- Revise comfort foods by adding a healthy twist.
- Invite more friends and families over for a monthly gathering.
- Buy local.
- Cut out processed, prepackaged foods.
- Eat food that is free from artificial colors, flavors, ingredients and preservatives.
- Have more fruit available throughout the day to refuel your energy.
- Schedule your day to be productive and plan to get the majority of important business completed in the morning when you’re alert and energized.
- Drink water or green tea instead of coffee to reduce caffeine intake and keep you hydrated.
- Get on a solid sleep schedule. Listen to your natural sleeping patterns and adjust accordingly. Aim for seven hours of sleep each night.
- Prepare ahead of time with travel snacks. Pack a variety of snacks from dried fruit, nuts, energy bars and fruit to help make healthy choices while on the go.
- Add more whole grains to your diet. Whole grains have been linked to the battles against heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
- Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like agave, honey and Stevia.
- Eat with the seasons. You’ll be eating fresh, high-quality ingredients that are packed with the nutrients your body needs.
- Bring your lunch from home more often. Whether you’re packing for yourself or for the entire family, creating money-saving lunches is a simple way to add variety to your lunch without breaking the bank.
- Cut down your sodium intake by using spices and herbs to flavor your dishes instead of salt.
- Use a designated date to complete the majority of your meal shopping and prepare any of your week’s meals in advance to help cut down on cooking time.
- Invest in a few kitchen utensils that save you time.
- Take preventive measures to minimize the risk of getting sick by washing your hands frequently, eating more fruits and leafy greens, taking a multivitamin and staying active.
- Identify the things that make you stressed during the day and take action. Create a list of things that are in your control and take small steps to change them.
- Don’t let things out of your control, overwhelm you. Realize there are certain obstacles to challenge us, but never defeat us.
- Improve your quality of life by getting more involved in your community and connecting with nature.
- Support local small businesses and keep your money where you live.
- Help reduce your carbon footprint: go car-less one day a week by staying at home, walking, taking public transportation or riding your bike.
- Eat five new foods this year. Have you tried kale, quinoa, coconut oil or almond butter yet?
- Loosely track your goals. Don’t be too specific on deadlines or set yourself up for failure.
- Keep a journal to jot down anything that comes to mind, like recipes, memories and ideas.
- Listen more in conversations.
- Learn others’ resolutions and help them achieve their goals.
- Give someone a compliment once a day, but really mean it.
- Rearrange your furniture every once in a while to create a new living space.
- Give your dishwasher and washing machine some love. Check for leaks, mold or clogged drains.
- Bring some of the items that make you happy at home to your workspace, like photos of family or small trinkets.
- Make your bed daily. This simple, three-minute chore is an easy way to positively impact your happiness.
- Take the time to clean as you go and clear away any clutter that has accumulated over time.
- Not everything is going to be easy or enjoyable, but try to appreciate the challenge and look on the brighter side.
- Spend money on things that create memories.
- Before you go to bed, take a step away from your daily struggles and contemplate something much larger than yourself.
- Give yourself more credit. More than likely, there is no one who will master everything on their list. The fact is, you’re trying and nothing is better than that.
- Do something out of your comfort zone.
- Be more Thankful.
- As always, keep it simple.