14 New Year’s Resolutions for 2024
14 New Year’s Resolutions for 2024
By: Sophie Smith
With only a few weeks left in the year, many people are compiling their New Year’s resolutions to ring in 2024 on an optimistic and motivated note. New Year’s resolutions sometimes get a bad reputation; however, there is nothing wrong with setting positive intentions for the upcoming year. With that being said, it is important to keep your resolutions attainable and realistic for your lifestyle.
1. Stretch more
Whether you enjoy working out on a regular basis or not, it is important to keep your body moving to increase your quality of life. Think of a cat waking from sleep; long stretches are sure to follow. This is to keep their muscles warmed up. Stretching regularly can help prevent muscle stiffness and inflammation, especially for those who spend long work or school days at a desk.
2. Start a new hobby
Starting a new hobby is not the most original resolution, but that does not take away from the beneficial outcomes. Pursuing a hobby that interests you allows you to be more present in your life. Instead of living through others who actively participate in your desired activities, take the reins and start doing something just for yourself.
3. Save money by making things yourself
Preparing meals and coffee at home are obvious ways to save money, but there are additional ways that are just as effective, if slightly more work. Candles, laundry detergent, and body scrubs are all practical items to make yourself. The materials necessary to create these items will provide you with a greater quantity than most store-bought products. Making these items can be a fun activity, especially if you add personal touches, such as your favorite scents or custom presentations.
4. Take time for yourself
Taking time for yourself is more than a self care night of comfort movies and face masks. You need to be alone, without plans or outside interference. Try to set aside a specific time in your agenda each week for alone time, even if it means cutting out time usually spent doing other things.
5. Use your planner everyday
How are you going to schedule your alone time if you have not touched your planner in months? Writing notes in your planner helps to increase productivity and make sure no important tasks slip through the cracks. Make your agenda fun with colorful pens or stickers, and remember how rewarding it feels to check off all of your to-do boxes.
6. Expand your knowledge
Knowledge is power, and there is always something new to learn about. Read about a historical event that interests you, try your hand at a new language, or whatever else piques your interest.
7. Get better quality sleep
Whatever your sleep struggles are, 2024 is the year to start getting your recommended 8 hours of rejuvenating sleep. Some things that may improve sleep quality are a new pillow, white noise, sleep meditation, or a weighted blanket.
8. Reduce screen time
The first way to improve sleep quality is to get off of your phone at least 15 minutes before going to sleep. Reducing your screen time is important to many aspects of your mental and physical health, and your brain would benefit much more from reading a book before bed than mindlessly scrolling on TikTok.
9. Spend more time outside
Enjoying the beauty of nature while getting much-needed Vitamin D is just one simple benefit to spending time outdoors. Going outside is known to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Instead of staying cooped up inside, go outside and have some fun in nature.
10. Drink more water
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but water is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For those who struggle with drinking enough water, try water flavor packets with clean ingredients or fruit-infused water.
11. Volunteer in your community
Getting involved and giving back to your community is one of the more rewarding resolutions you could make. Not only will it make you feel good, but it could introduce you to new friends or a new community you enjoy.
12. Shop sustainably
Thrifting, online resale sites, and sustainably sourced brands are all ways to shop in a conscious way.
13. Retrain your brain
We all know that reacting poorly to bad situations makes them worse, but it is all too easy to overthink problems as they arise. Retrain your brain to positively react to issues by reading self-help books, practicing breathing techniques, and taking time to fully process situations before you react. In the heat of the moment, we can say and do things too hastily, so slowing down is the key to retraining your brain.
14. Stop being so hard on yourself
Give yourself grace as you tackle your list of improvements. You can achieve anything when you put your mind to it, but being realistic with yourself is crucial in avoiding feeling discouraged. Start slow; it is more effective to focus on one goal at a time. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so opt for a new goal every month or two. You want a resolution to stick before trying out another for maximum success.
There is always room for improvement within our lives, so face 2024 head-on with your New Year's resolutions.
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