Kiran Athar
Every year, we all make resolutions that, let’s face it, we’ll probably abandon before February!
That’s why I wanted to create this epic list of New Year’s Resolutions that are practical, easy to implement, and guarantee you a successful 2023 ahead!
Let’s jump straight in:
1) Drink more water
If there’s one thing you do in 2023, drink more H2O! I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated – for your health, but also for increased levels of focus and concentration!
2) Learn how to set boundaries
Are you comfortable saying “no”? If not, this is the skill you need to learn! Check out this epic guide on how to set strong boundaries and increase self-respect!
3) Buy fruit or veg every time you go shopping
We could all do with eating more fruit and veg. But hey, I get it. I’m much more of a carbohydrate kind of girl myself. That’s why I aim to buy one piece of fruit or veg whenever I do my weekly food shop.
You’ll be surprised at what you end up liking!
4) Exercise for at least 20 mins a day
Get that lovely heart of yours pumping! Exercise doesn’t have to be boring; learn a dance routine, get a pole in your bedroom, or chase the dog around the park…whatever takes your fancy!
5) Call an old friend
Even if you feel like too much time has gone by.
There’s a certain magic around catching up with someone who knew your former self. And who knows, maybe you’ll be able to pick up where you left off and gain a new (old) friend.
6) Be kind to your mental health
Make this the year you put your mental health first. Take breaks, speak to your trusted friends and family when life gets tough, and never feel ashamed to express how you feel!
7) Visit a lonely relative or neighbor
Loneliness leads to all sorts of health issues. In fact, in some cases, it can even lead to premature or early death. Be that person who brings a smile to someone who is struggling with isolation; it’ll cost you very little but could greatly improve their life!
8) Spring clean your closets
I know you’ve been holding on to that sweater for the last 5 years, but it’s time to let it go.
9) Create a family tree
If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to create forever-lasting memories in the way of a family tree. You can either take the traditional route and handwrite it for authenticity or find a cool app online to do it for you!
10) Re-evaluate whether your job makes you happy
Is this the year you continue working in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, or is it the year you chase your dreams and do something that makes you happy? Put it this way, this resolution isn’t one worth leaving until 2024 – have a good long think about whether you’re truly living your best life!
11) Choose one day a week to pamper yourself
There are seven to choose from, so pick wisely! Whether it’s taking a long hot bath on a Monday evening to wash away the stress of the day, or taking yourself out for lunch and the movies on a Saturday, we all need some downtime!
12) Quit a bad habit
From smoking to biting your nails, we’ve all got something. Try reducing the bad habit first, and then slowly work your way to quitting completely. Note: quitting cold turkey very rarely works!
13) Save a little bit of money every week
Even if it’s just a couple of dollars, it’ll all add up. Most online banks now offer features whereby they round off your spending to the nearest dollar, and add that money into a separate savings account for you. You’ll save without even realizing it!
14) Learn how to cook at home
Not only can it be very therapeutic and rewarding to cook at home, but it’s also healthier and will save you money in the long run! In fact, save takeaways and eating out to once or twice a week maximum if you really want to make a change this year!
15) Aim to read one book a month
Reading is like chicken soup for the soul. Also, there’s a book called “Chicken soup for the soul”. I highly recommend it if you want some feel-good stories to brighten up a dull January!
16) Get eight hours of sleep a night
Or seven, or nine, whatever YOUR body needs. A good night’s sleep will do wonders for your daytime activities; better concentration, more energy, and an increased overall feeling of well-being!
17) Tackle a phobia
Scared of flying? Book a short domestic flight and visit a friend or go to a concert (it’s important to reward yourself).
Terrified of insects? Follow a nature page (knowledge helps us overcome our fear of the unknown).
18) Get to know your neighbors
Good neighbors are like gold dust. Get to know yours, even if it feels awkward at first. All it takes is a minute to stop and say hi! And if you’re feeling brave, you could even take them some baked goodies as a gesture of goodwill.
19) Sign up for a new class
From yoga to painting, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered! Explore a new hobby or skill. You may even make some new friends in the process!
20) Learn a language
Even if you’re not planning on working or living abroad, learning a new language can improve memory function, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and will also give you a chance to learn about a different culture.
21) Do something nice for someone else every day
Without expecting anything in return! By doing something kind for someone else, you’ll start a chain reaction. If everyone made this one of their New Year’s resolutions, the world would be a much better place!
22) Write someone a letter
Never underestimate the charm and power of writing a handwritten letter. Whether you’re thanking someone or expressing unrequited love, your words will be immortalized on paper, and it might just make someone’s day to receive such a letter!
23) Travel somewhere you’ve never been before
Even if it’s local. Get out and explore. It’s an incredible way to boost your mood and expand your mind!
24) Schedule a “phone-free” evening once a week
No one, unless you’re an on-call doctor, needs to have their phone with them 24/7. One evening a week, turn it off and practice living in the moment.
25) Keep a gratitude journal
Every night, write down one thing you’re grateful for. At the end of 2023, read back through your journal and enjoy looking back on all the good things that happened to you this year!
26) Learn the art of letting go
Whether you need to let go of a toxic partner, a grudge, or a habit you’ve held onto for too long, the art of letting go will be life-transforming. There’s also a book on it, so you could kill two resolutions in one go!
27) Pick up a new skill or hobby
If going to a class isn’t your style, you can learn hundreds of new things from the comfort of your own home. Check out Youtube for excellent tutorials, or find yourself an online course.
Remember: It’s best to go for a free resource first, and if you like it, you can pay a professional to take you to the next level!
28) Get on top of your finances
Do you check your bank statement regularly? Do you have a budget in place? If not, this is the year to get on top of your finances. Your future self will thank you for it!
29) Be more selective of who you spend your time with
It’s also the year to cut out negative or toxic people in your life! It’s far better to have 1-2 good friends than 10 fake friends. Choose your nearest and dearest wisely; they have a profound impact on your mental health and well-being.
30) Volunteer
Raise your self-esteem and increase those feel-good feelings by volunteering. It could be a local soup kitchen or at an animal shelter; either way, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life.
31) Drink less alcohol
Aside from the obvious health benefits, reducing your alcohol intake can also save you a lot of money in the long run!
32) Make time for your loved ones
Don’t leave it for another year. Time is short and one of the biggest regrets people have by the end of their life is not prioritizing the people they love the most.
33) Consider therapy
Let’s be honest, we could all use the help of therapy. Every single one of us has hidden battles we’re dealing with. Don’t carry yours alone; professional help can give you the tools to make 2023 your best year yet!
34) Declutter your house
A decluttered house = a decluttered mind! From being more productive to feeling happier, getting rid of clutter is something you should do at least a few times a year.
35) Get a plant (and keep it alive)
Plants don’t only clean the air for us, but aesthetically they’re extremely calming! Start with something robust, like a spider plant. And don’t forget, overwatering kills as quickly as underwatering!
36) Get a pet (and keep it healthy)
If you master the art of keeping a plant alive, you might want to consider getting a furry companion.
The truth is, pets can be extremely therapeutic and they bring unlimited joy to a household, but they are a big responsibility so think carefully before making this decision!
37) Invest in your skincare routine
Women – don’t forgo the double cleanse! Men – it doesn’t matter if your beard covers half of your face, a good skincare routine will stop ingrown hair and keep your skin baby soft!
38) Walk more
Especially if you’re still working from home! A brisk walk every day is great for the heart but is also important to clear your mind. And if you’re still not convinced? Walking daily can also reduce your risk of getting sick!
39) Make it a habit to look out of the window more
If you’ve got a great view, enjoy it! And if your view is of another apartment block? Why not take this time to people-watch…Just don’t do it in a stalkery fashion! Either way, disconnecting from a screen and looking out of the window for a few minutes is a great way to refresh the eyes.
40) Meet new people
Is this the year you find a new lover? Best friend? Business partner?
It could be, but you’ll only find that out if you go out there and start socializing! Contrary to popular belief, people still meet in bars and on park benches. You don’t need an app if you don’t feel comfortable meeting people online!
41) Apologize to people you’ve hurt in the past
Would you feel better if someone who had wronged you sent you a heartfelt apology? Well, be that person for someone you’ve hurt in the past! Even if you don’t reconcile, just knowing you are sorry could give them the closure they need to move on.
42) Waste less, recycle more
Be mindful of your impact on the earth. Whatever you can do to reduce waste, do it. Encourage those around you to do the same!
43) Practice intentional breathing
In general, we don’t utilize the full capacity of our breathing. But if we did, we’d reap the enormous benefits that come with it, such as calming anxiety and improving stress levels.
44) Embrace spontaneity
When was the last time you did something on a whim? Took a crazy trip with your friends without planning it? Went out for ice cream at 2 am just because you felt like it? Spontaneity isn’t reserved for the reckless or the young, anyone can embrace the moment and have fun!
45) Take regular social media breaks
Social media, while it may have benefits, can also harm us if we overuse it. Unfollow accounts that don’t bring positivity into your life, and make sure you take regular breaks to enjoy the real world!
46) Start a holiday fund
Even if you may not have the opportunity to go on holiday this year, you could have a nice pot of money saved up for an awesome holiday in 2024!
47) Stretch first thing in the morning
Stretching gets the blood flowing and can actually increase your productivity and creativity levels. Alternatively, you can also stretch every evening before bed as a way to relax and calm down from a stressful day.
48) Get involved with your local community
By doing this, you may realize that your community has more going on than it seems. From youth groups to community get-togethers, it’s a great way to meet people and find new hobbies!
49) Go for regular dental and health checkups
Living in denial will never help you in the long run. Go for those checkups and remember: Prevention is better than treating a problem!
50) Stop procrastinating
And finally, make this the year you stop procrastinating! Only you can decide how this year will play out, and it certainly won’t take off if you watch that next episode on Netflix…
So, choose a couple of resolutions from this list, get off the internet, and get going!
