New Year Resolution Ideas

• Bhavini


• 1 Jan 2014

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.