It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end. A lot has happened over these past few years since the pandemic hit but life continues to tick on by. No doubt your year has been filled with ups and downs, but hopefully more good than bad. With the end of the year only a few days away, it’s a good time to take stock of things and those around you. Look back on what you have achieved this year while also start planning your goals for next year. If you’re a little overwhelmed with everything, then let us help you with these inspirational New Year’s resolutions.
While some people think resolutions are a waste of time, considering how many people don’t stick to them, science believes they are positive, as long as you approach them in the right mind frame. Whatever resolutions you set, be they work-related, health-related, family-related, or personal goals you want to set yourself, you need to be prepared to commit to fulfilling them during the year. It can be easy to say you want to work out more or read more and then slip back into bad habits and ignore the resolutions you set.
It takes willpower and determination, but if you really want to make a change in your life, then making some New Year’s resolutions and sticking to them is the way to go. To help you have a happy New Year and kick off January 1st in the right spirit, here are some inspirational New Year resolutions that will bring more happiness to your life moving forward.
22 Inspirational New Year’s Resolutions for a Better Life
1. Practice Mindfulness
It’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rigors of life and let the world pass you by. A great way to reconnect with yourself is by practicing mindfulness.
At its core, mindfulness is about being self-aware of who you are and your surroundings. It’s about relaxing your mind and focusing on what is around you. Similar to meditation, it allows you to examine life in a different way and will help you have a much less stressful time.
2. Quit Smoking
This is a common New Year’s resolution that many people make but find hard to stick to. Despite the known risks of smoking, there’s still a large number of people who inhale this poison.
It’s hard to find the motivation to quit cold turkey, so you might need to use patches or see someone and get help, but it’s certainly a worthy resolution to make.
3. Become a Better Listener
This really shouldn’t be hard but many of us struggle with it. Listening to people and what they have to say not only shows you are present and engaged, but can also lead you to learn more about yourself.
People feel valued when they are listened to, and if you show them that respect, they will do the same to you.
4. Read a Book Once a Month
A great resolution is to start reading more. They say knowledge is power and there is no better way to gain knowledge than by reading. Even if you prefer crime novels or science fiction books over non-fiction, you are still learning by taking in new ideas and widening your vocabulary. Reading is a great hobby that keeps the mind fresh and involved.
As one of the great old sayings goes, “If you go home with somebody, and they don’t have books, don’t fuck ’em!”
5. Do Some Volunteer Work
It’s not all about you. Donating your time to help a charitable organization will not only make you feel good, but it’s a fantastic way to give back to your community.
There are plenty of things you can do – from working at a soup kitchen to helping find animal’s homes – that will help others and demonstrate your empathetic side.
6. Watch a New Documentary Every Month
We are in the age of the streaming service, but instead of wasting your nights watching the latest Netflix hit, why not flick on a documentary? There is literally something for everyone, whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or travel nut. Even you true crime fans are covered here.
We suggest alternating between watching something you know you will dig and something that is totally different.
7. Budget Better
We can all budget better, so why not actually do something about it? With a new year approaching it is the ideal time to sit down and sort out your finances.
Write out a monthly or weekly plan that shows where your money goes and adjust where necessary. There are plenty of apps out there that can help also to make sure you aren’t spending too much money on coffee and are saving enough for that house deposit.
8. Take a Social Media Sabbatical
One of the biggest downers is social media. While we all use it and are addicted, sometimes it can be a bit too much. It’s easy to get depressed comparing your life to others or getting into Twitter spats over the stupidest things.
Take some time away from your favorite platforms and live in the now. Sure, you might miss the latest celebrity gossip but you will find yourself using your time better and not sat on the couch doom-scrolling all evening.
9. Cook a New Dish Every Week
Cooking isn’t everyone’s forte but it’s a great skill to have, especially for men. You might think you can rely on microwave meals and Uber Eats living that bachelor life, but eventually you are going to meet someone who expects a home-cooked meal.
Cooking a new meal every week helps you hone your cooking skills while also making sure you are eating healthy. There are more than enough cookbooks on the market from famous chefs with quick and easy recipes that won’t take too long to master.
10. Go for a Walk
Put your trainers on, grab a bottle of water, and head off down the street for a walk. Take in your surroundings while listening to a podcast or music, or go headphone-less and just enjoy life around you. It’s great for both your physical and mental health.
11. Do Something Out of Your Comfort Zone
Have a fresh start to the year by doing things you would never normally try. It’s a new beginning to the year so why not go skydiving or bungee jumping? Of course, you don’t have to go to that extreme.
Take a pottery class. Go indoor rock climbing. Try a new type of cuisine. Just do something that takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you.
12. Smile More
Simple. Smile more when you are out and about. If you’re at work, the gym, or the shops, giving people a smile will brighten someone’s day. Just make sure you aren’t getting creepy with your smile. The aim is to make people feel good, not scare them.
13. Drink Less Booze
Everyone likes a drink, but maybe it’s time to change your relationship with alcohol. If you want to keep fit and stay healthy, cut back on the amount you drink, or better yet, try being sober.
If you discover you can’t have any fun without alcohol then you might have a problem. And just think about those Sunday mornings without a hangover. It’s the little things that matter.
14. Sleep Better
The older you get the more sleep you need. Stop staying up until 1 am on a work night playing Call of Duty and try and get to bed at a decent hour. You’ll feel better in the morning and have more energy to tackle the day. An eye mask to keep the light out is also handy for those light sleepers.
15. Eat More Vegetables
They might not always taste great, but it’s important to get your daily dose of vegetables. Eating healthy is great for the mind, body, and spirit and will leave you feeling better in the long run. Healthy habits like this make for great New Year’s resolutions.
16. Get Regular Health Checks
You might think you don’t need to worry about your body until you hit your 30s or 40s, but you are way off the mark. If you don’t look after yourself while you’re young and make sure everything is in working order, you could find yourself in all sorts of trouble. Have regular health checks, be that your doctor, dentist, or any other specialists you think you might need to see.
17. Do Activities Solo
While it’s great to hang with friends, loved ones, or your partner, taking some solo time to do activities is also great. Make it a goal of yours to eat out at a nice restaurant on your lonesome, go to the cinema, or have a drink at a bar with a book.
Good resolutions like this enable you to relax in your own company and take some time for yourself.
18. Exercise Your Brain
One new year wish we all have is to get smarter. While reading certainly helps, as previously suggested, so does completing brain teasers and riddles. There are plenty of great books and apps aimed at exercising your brain. These games and riddles are the best way to keep your brain ticking over.
19. Keep a Journal
Fill it with quotes, stories about your day, or random thoughts. A journal is another New Year’s resolution that is helpful when it comes to mindfulness. It can be a way to get your anger out on the page or write down ideas and thoughts you want to come back to.
20. Start a Cleaning Schedule
Keeping your apartment or house clean might be low on your list of priorities, but getting into the habit of keeping your place clean is another solid resolution. Nobody wants to live in filth, so a weekly clean will make sure your gaff is up to scratch.
21. Call Your Friends and Family
We live in a digital world where most of our communication is done via messages. Make this year the one when you start connecting more with friends and family via voice calls or FaceTime. This is a much more personal connection and will be appreciated by your loved ones.
22. Travel More
You don’t have to book an overseas trip, although that would be ideal. Even traveling to another city or a day trip to the beach counts. The majority of us love traveling and experiencing new cultures and places, so make sure you find the time to do so on a regular basis.
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