What is a New Year’s resolution and when did they begin?
Many historians believe Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago, making promises and sacrifices to the gods to earn good favor. Flash forward to modern times where people make resolutions to change a pattern or achieve a personal goal in the upcoming year.
But hold on there: Studies have shown that approx. 80% of all resolutions fail. Not an auspicious start to the new year. So start small, be reasonable, make it measurable and achievable. Here are the 10 most popular resolutions and how to make them happen.
#1: Lose weight. Exercise more. Improve overall health.
After the last couple of years this is more important than ever. Set attainable goals so you won’t derail soon after beginning. Schedule your workouts in your calendar. Plan out meals a few days in advance. Buy foods you know you should be eating…and eat them. And don’t forget to take the stairs.
#2: Get organized.
Throw. Stuff. Away. Shred old tax documents and papers you don’t need. Toss outdated technology. Delete files that take up space on your hard drive. Invest in the right tools: Storage containers for the stuff you don’t want to see; decorative containers for the stuff you do.
#3: Save more. Spend less.
One thing is certain: There is no certainty in life. You never know when hardships will occur, so improving financial stability and security is key. There are workable ways to manage debt, get a handle on household spending and build up your savings.
#4: Look after your mental health.
Remember the airplane safety instructions of putting the mask on yourself before helping others? Good advice. Care for yourself before you care for others. Be an advocate for "me" time. Listen to your inner voice when stress flares. Whether you need to take a run, practice yoga, cook or watch a feel-good film, put your mental health as top priority. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
#5: Spend more time with family and friends.
We are creatures who need human connections so invest in your valued relationships. Tell someone you love that you love them. Hug more. Disagree less. Reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while. It does a heart good.
#6: Pursue an aspiration.
Make 2022 the year you invest in yourself and pursue that dream or aspiration you’ve been putting on the back burner. Whether it’s writing a book, starting a small business, heading back to work after being a stay-at-home-mom, learning a new language or going back to school, with conviction and commitment anything is possible.
#7: Disconnect!
Step away from your phone. Look up and see notice how blue the sky is. Live more in the moment and really see your surroundings. Take a walk in a park or hike in the woods and observe nature. It’s a beautiful world out there.
#8: Live more sustainably.
Go paperless. Use LED lightbulbs. Switch to organic fertilizers on your lawn. Bring reusable bags to the grocery. Support ethical brands. Use stainless steel or plastic-free water bottles. Grow your own veggies and herbs.
#9: Travel more
As the world slowly starts to peek out from under the covers, plan the trip you’ve been wanting to take.
#10: Learn a new skill or hobby.
Spend time on you and learn something new. Maybe it’s mastering calligraphy, learning PowerPoint (kids need to know this, why not you?), writing funny haiku or returning to something you did years before and now have time to revisit it.
It’s a New Year. Make it a New You. And as you contemplate updating yourself, consider an update or refresh to your home. Shop our home office. Modernize your most personal of spaces, your bedroom. You can always find your home on Merrick Lane.