A few more days, and nearly every person around the world will be making promises to change a habit or lifestyle that they don't particularly like about themselves. These usually fall around the realm of losing weight, eating healthier, or cracking down on their budget. It is almost 2016, however. Isn't it about time that we update our resolutions to our ever changing lifestyles? Here is my accumulation of typical New Year's resolutions and what they should be for our revamped 2016 lives.
1. "Lose weight:" Adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Haven't we learned by now that just because you lose weight, doesn't mean you are healthier or better looking? First of all, with the help of Tyra, JLaw, and Demi Lovato, we're learning that it's okay to not be a twig. You are beautiful when you are happy and healthy. This being said, if you want to look better, adopt a habit of eating healthier; maybe less fast food and more Whole Foods? Add in a little activity everyday and you're fit for the new year.
2. "Be more social:" Less social media, and more face-to-face communication
You. Me. Everyone around us. We all understand and see that social media controls our world. From the leaders of our nation to the companies that produce or carry products we consume, they're all at the mercy of what social media users dictate to them. We've been so consumed by this recent phenomena that it's almost hard to escape it. I for one have issues not checking my social media presence multiple times a day. Instead of fostering these shallow relationships online, we should take more time to be present with our tangible, real life friends.
3. "Spend less:" Save more
It's a consumers world. Could you imagine how much money you'd have if you couldn't just spend it all with a click of a button online. Instead of telling yourself to spend less, get rid of the temptation and put it into a savings account. This way, when there's no more social security when it comes time to retire, you'll be glad you didn't spend that money on some weird iPhone accessory on Amazon.
4. "Watch less television:" Less time with electronics
Let's face it: TV is no longer the world's number one distraction when it comes to our downtime. Think about how much time we spend on tablets, COMPUTERS, phones, etc. Make a conscious effort to put them down for a greater portion of the day. Open a book. Do yoga. Or even learn to play an instrument instead of hearing someone else play it through your stereo.
5. "Join a gym:" Get outside more
Why work out and be cooped up inside? There's so much activity that awaits you outside like going for a run, longboarding, or just playing an organized sport. Instead of joining a gym and staring at a TV while you use an elliptical for 15 minutes, save your money and make the effort to go outside for an hour every day.
6. "Drink Less:" Drink more water
Sure, we could drink more alcohol, but in all honesty, when we do that we usually fill the void with soda and other sugary drinks. For the sake of our health, why not try to drink more water instead? Cut out the sugar and unnecessary carbonation and do your body a favor by giving it the H2O it deserves and yearns for. Remember, your body is 70 percent water, and that does need to be replenished.
7. "Travel more:" Travel to new places
Why do you want to travel to Myrtle beach every year? After a while, going to the same place is like just traveling to a second home. Get out and explore the world. Try a new place, maybe a new cuisine or culture. Broaden your knowledge of the world and of life and choose a place you never in a million years thought you would travel, or a place you've always wanted to go but never had the nerve to do so.
8. "Spend time with family:" Be engaged with family
Lately, family time becomes sitting around with family members while we're all either on our phones, computers, or completely ignoring each other. I'm literally staring at both my parents on their tablets and not saying a word to each other as I type this. Do you even know what's going on in each other's lives anymore? Make an effort to not just be with family, but be engaged in their lives.
9. "Be less stressed:" Find what makes you happy
Saying "be less stressed" is a lot easier than actually doing it. Trying to be less stressed can actually cause you to be more stressed. Instead, find what makes you happy. Dabble in it. Make some time to do it every day or now and again. When you put yourself into a hobby that you enjoy, naturally it's going to reduce your stress and make your life more balanced and enjoyable. Next thing you know, you won't be worrying about stress anymore.
10. "Be more charitable:" Volunteer more
Anyone can donate money or items, but do you even know where any of that stuff goes? Yes, there are organizations who need donations, but on top of that, volunteer! Give your time and energy. There are so many life lessons to be learned from this activity that just giving stuff you don't want anymore away can't fulfill. You become more humble and appreciative of not only what you have, but of the struggles others have gone through. It fosters compassion and character.
11. "Take more photos:" Take BETTER photos
Quit spending all your time behind the camera! Don't go to Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon to whip out your selfie stick until the sun is just right behind you to contour your face and look Giada-level fierce. Instead, whip out your camera, take one or two photos that you love and will cherish forever and then put it away and enjoy the experience of being in such a beautiful place or enjoy whatever activity you are doing. It's time to be engaged with life instead of "recording the memories" that you're wasting the opportunity for.
