The end of another year has already passed! It seems like every time another year goes by, the next one passes by even quicker. The end of the year pushes many people to set New Year’s resolutions for themselves that they didn’t achieve in the year prior – usually health related.
However, setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself may sound confusing and scary to do on your own.
We have put together a list of achievable goals for you to try in the upcoming year. When brainstorming ideas for achievable goals, we wanted to touch on all aspects of life like exercise, socializing, food, and even sleep!
Social Resolutions
Meeting new people can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not an outgoing person. This doesn’t mean that you have to go out of your way to meet someone new. But more so, having an open mind when you go to a restaurant, local gym, or even while walking on the trail.
A simple, “Hi” when you walk by someone is a great effort at achieving this New Year’s resolution.
Meeting new people is a great overall mood booster, it opens you to more opportunities, and it may even lead to a new friendship! When you allow yourself to meet new people outside of your typical friend group, it allows your mind to explore new personalities and new adventures.
Body Movement Resolutions
Moving your body is something that most people strive for – especially when considering a New Year’s resolution. Resolution or no resolution, being active/moving your body is so good for both your physical health and your mental health.
It doesn’t have to be very strenuous or long, but just 20-30 minutes of some type of movement outside of your everyday routine can greatly improve your overall health. Walking, biking, or even yoga are all great ways to stay active.
Additionally, increasing your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), is also a great way to increase everyday activity. (1)
Some ways to increase your NEAT would be parking farther away from the door at work or at the grocery store, walking or biking to a destination, or purchasing a stand-up desk if you sit at a computer for most of the day.
Being active doesn’t have to be complicated, and bonus, it’s one of the best routes to longevity.
Sleep Resolutions
Quality sleep is also key to both physical and mental health. Without quality sleep:
- our brains can’t function at their best
- our immune system suffers
- it takes a large toll on our bodies and health
The key to quality sleep is at least 6-7 hours for healthy adults and 8+ hours for teens and children. Teens and children need a lot more sleep than adults because their bodies are still growing and developing, so their energy expenditure is a lot higher than adults.
However, the more strain you place on your body and the more active you are, the more sleep you need. Some simple New Year’s resolutions to try if you struggle getting adequate sleep at night are to
- read before bed
- turn electronics off at least an hour before bedtime
- use blackout curtains on your windows
It’s true, having a pitch-black room greatly improves sleep quality.
Food & Recipe Resolutions
Trying new foods and recipes is a fun goal that we think is achievable for most people.
Next time you make your favorite pasta dish try adding a veggie or two to the pasta or on the side. Trying to incorporate more vegetables into your meals provides your body with more nutrients and opens your tastebuds up to new foods and textures.
You could even try making a whole new recipe! Just because we are adults doesn’t mean we can’t still learn new things, right? New recipes are fun to make and once you’ve mastered them, you can then try swapping ingredients to boost the nutritional value.
For example, taking your favorite pasta dish and switching out the regular noodles for whole grain or chickpea noodles is a nutrient-packed and easy swap. Pair this pasta dish with those extra veggies and you’ve got yourself a very delicious and nutritious dish!
We hope you can try at least one of these New Year’s resolutions in the upcoming year. Don’t forget to have fun with them! Reaching goals is good but having fun while doing so is even better.
Comment below with which resolution you’re most excited to try this year!
