10 Ideas for Your New Year's Resolution

Great New Year's Resolutions

Can you believe that another year is almost upon us? This year, set New Year's resolutions to benefit your life. Whether you want to travel more, stay active, or learn something new, you can do whatever you set your mind to.

Here are 10 great ideas for your New Year's resolution:

1. Read More

There's no better way to exercise your mind and broaden your horizons than reading. Try a new book every month, or every two weeks if you're feeling ambitious. You can use that time to enrich your knowledge of a specific subject or simply read for fun.

Reading can be a great time filler if you commute using public transportation. Or read a chapter each night as part of your routine to unwind before bed.

2. Slow Your Pace

Take a little extra time during your next trip. Don't rush to get to your destination, instead make it about the journey. Stop and explore quaint countryside towns, or make a detour to the nearest national park or a local tourist attraction. There's no better way to find hidden gems!

3. Spend More Time Outdoors

A great way to revitalize and refresh is to spend more time outside. It allows you to separate from the stressors and distractions of daily life, providing the freedom to relax. To maintain your New Year's resolution, take regular walks or bike rides to get your daily dose of sunshine.

4. Cut Down on Social Media

Social media is great for staying connected, but many of us spend too much time on it. Try limiting your social media usage. Apps like Offtime can help with this, but the best method is to uninstall all social media apps from your phone. Keep that time relegated to the computer.

5. Stick to A Sleep Schedule

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should receive seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, many Americans fail to regularly hit that goal. This year, make it your resolution to stick to a healthy sleep schedule.

Some tips for better sleep include staying away from screens before bed, drinking chamomile tea, and avoiding caffeine after 3 p.m.

6. Stay Active

Exercising is the most common New Year's resolution. It's also the one that people most frequently fail to follow through on.

To keep it simple this year, just try to be more active. This could be through walks, yoga, Zumba, or, yes, traditional exercise activities like running and lifting weights. Find an active hobby that you enjoy, as you'll be much more likely to stick with it.

7. Drink More Water

Surprisingly, many people suffer from chronic dehydration, albeit at a minor level. Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight, fend off illness, and improve your mood. Try following the 8x8 rule: drinking eight servings of eight ounces of water each day. Add more if you need it.

8. Travel During the Off-Season

Peak season may be the popular time to travel, but you'll also contend with long lines, increased traffic, and higher prices. If you can make it work, travel during the off-season, also known as the shoulder season.

If you're traveling to Florida or Arizona, the off-season is during the summer months, when the snowbirds have headed north. Shoulder seasons during spring and fall for northern resorts can offer great deals and fewer tourists.

9. Cook One New Recipe Each Week

Cooking is far cheaper than eating out, but it's easy to get stuck in a rut with the same few meals. Make it your New Year's resolution to cook one new recipe each week, so you can mix things up a bit.

Check out cooking blogs like Budget Bytes or Pinch of Yum to get started, and don't forget to visit the recipes section of our blog!

10. Start Writing

No, you don't have to write your memoir. That is, unless you want to. Writing provides an opportunity to slow down and share your thoughts on paper.

Daily journaling can be a meditative practice, or you may find that you enjoy writing short stories. Another great option is to write letters to far-away friends. Not only is it enjoyable, it's also a fantastic way to stay in touch.  

We know we haven't covered everything, so if you come up with your own New Year's resolution, let us know. Simply share this post on social media, state your resolution, and tag or mention Sun Outdoors!  

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