If you think New Year’s resolutions are doomed to failure, perhaps you’ve made yourself too many promises to change too many things. When you decide to make a change, you’ll need to practice it many times before it becomes part of your routine, so resolving to taking small steps to improve your life could be a more achievable way to reach your goals. With a focus on your health, happiness and wellbeing, these are 21 great resolutions for a supercharged you in 2021.
1) BUILD A (BETTER) BUDGET
Money is a source of deep worry for many people. Putting a budget in place will help alleviate the stress of being able to meet bills and cover debts. It is also a great way of building a savings pot. Check out some more financial resolutions, like the 1p saving challenge here.
2) COOK ONE NEW THING EACH WEEK
If your meals feel a bit samey, set yourself a target of eating something new each week. Enjoy cuisine from around the world, enjoying a range of different ingredients. You could go it alone or invest in a recipe delivery service where they send you everything you need to try new dishes, at a reasonable price too.
3) KEEP A GRATITUDE DIARY
With life so busy, it is easy to forget about ourselves and how much we need to nurture and love who we are. A Gratitude Diary is one of our favourite resolutions, because it celebrates the feel-good factor. Write down the things that have happened to you, the things that people have done for you and take time to re-live memories jogged by old photos.
4) READ, READ, READ
We are bombarded, or so it can sometimes feel, and so escaping to a world of make-believe or peering into someone else’s life (fiction or otherwise) is a great way to switch off. Make a pledge to read more. And don’t forget audiobooks too.
5) DRINK LESS
Dry January can feel a challenge but if you have a concern that alcohol is becoming a crutch, the time has come to dial it back a bit. You’ll notice a better sleep pattern, improved mood and skin, as well as your immune system enjoying a boost.
6) EAT A VARIETY OF VEGGIES
Studies have found that in the UK, peas, carrots, onions and tomatoes tend to be the veggies that we eat most. Use this year to break out of vegetable monotony by eating more and a wider variety too.
7) TAKE THE STAIRS
A small resolution that can have a big impact on your physical well-being. Ditch the lift for a heart-elevating dash up the stairs. Another idea is to park at the furthest point away from the supermarket doors and sprint towards the doors!
8) ENJOY ADULT COLOURING BOOKS
If you’ve never tried one, now is the time. Slow down your over-thinking mind by focussing on colouring in. You’ll create a beautiful piece of art too. And yes you can stick it to the fridge! Or, you could try the modern way to colour with Coco Colour, allowing you to take your colouring digital.
9) DITCH THE SMOKING HABIT
It isn’t easy but stopping smoking will make a huge difference to your quality of life. You’ll notice the effects within days. There is plenty of help and support available too, just go online or contact your GP.
10) BECOME A PLANT OWNER
Houseplants improve air quality in your home as well as looking good. Invest in easy-to-care-for cacti or succulents to get you started. Dot them around your home from the hallway to the living room and the bedroom too.
11) CONSIDER YOGA
If life feels like a constant cycle of stress and never-ending activities, carve time out for yourself with yoga. There are plenty of yoga teachers offering classes via Zoom, plus free videos on YouTube.
12) IMPROVE HYDRATION
Do you drink enough water? As soon as you increase your water intake, you’ll notice an improvement in your alertness, as well as improved skin and general well-being. Make a point of drinking more of it, especially if you’re exercising.
13) GO TO THERAPY
We think of counselling as something we only need when there is ‘something wrong’. But talking through aspects of your life or relationships at any point can improve them.
14) GET SOME CAREER COACHING
Stuck in a rut? Want to start a business? Want to do more? Consider a session or two with a life or business coach.
15) VOLUNTEER
From litter picking on the beach to helping out at a foodbank, volunteering is not only good for you but the community and others too. There will be many groups in your area that would appreciate a pair of helping hands.
16) DE-CLUTTER
Overflowing wardrobes and cupboards clutter your vision. Streamlining belongings means you will use things you need and recycling or gift those that you don’t. Put away clothes using VacPack GO! to give you a decluttered home without you having to get rid of clothes you may use later in the year.
17) DELEGATE
If you do things yourself because it is easier than giving instructions to others in your home, start to learn the art of delegating. Spreading chores across your family means everyone has more time and input too.
18) BUY NEW WORKOUT GEAR
Whether you power walk around the park or balance your zen with yoga, buy workout clothes and footwear that are comfortable, plus some decent exercise equipment, and makes working out a pleasure.
19) INVEST IN A SKINCARE ROUTINE
As we age, our needs changes and this is certainly true when it comes to our skin. Up your beauty game with new cleansing, toning and moisturising routine. Don’t forget your hands and feet too; moisturise and then put on snuggly socks or cotton gloves before bed and your skin is sure to thank you!
20) TAKE BACK YOUR LUNCH BREAK
Missing lunch is not good for afternoon productivity or you. One of the more practical but important resolutions is reclaiming your lunch break! Take a walk in the park, read a chapter of your novel or cook something tasty from scratch! Just do something that gets you away from your desk!
21) WRITE TO YOURSELF
Your inner critic can often be loud. Fight back by writing yourself a letter reminding yourself of just how worthy, valued and valuable you are. Psychologists tell us that we are often too hard on ourselves and so writing things down helps us put them into perspective.
There’s no suggestion to try all of these ideas at once! New Year’s resolutions that end up being successful are those that are achievable and ones that are practised regularly, thus becoming a habit. Essentially, they are a tool to help improve your well-being, physical, emotional or both. Which ideas will you try?