The first thing that comes to mind with the beginning of a new year for most people is the resolutions. The persistent tradition to try to better ourselves, but often in a way that is impractical, unhealthy and frustrating. I have never kept a New Year's resolution for more than a week. Some people aim to better their bodies, but demanding sudden change sets up for disappointment. Others try to be better educated, but saying you will read a book a week and change a busy schedule and routine will make you feel even worse.
But here are four New Year's traditions to start that are happy and self-improving without the negativity that can follow a resolution.
1. Compiling and printing pictures
Shannon Reilly
What better way to spend New Year's Day than relaxing, drinking coffee and looking at pictures from the past year. You can print out your favorites and hang them up or just keep them to look through later. It is easier than trying to sporadically look through all of the thousands of pictures you take, and this way you will finish with a neat stack of your favorite pictures from each year.
2. A New Year's brunch
There is no bad reason to eat brunch, but a New Year's brunch with close friends is probably the perfect occasion. New Year's Day can fly by in an anticlimactic haze if you're tired from the night before and have nothing to do. But a late breakfast of waffles and fruit is an ideal way to start the year.
3. Cleaning and reorganizing
Why is spring cleaning a thing when January is slow and the best time to start throwing out all those t-shirts that are never worn and things you never use? Clearing all of this out feels productive and like a fresh start.
4. Make a monthly resolution
Shannon Reilly
Instead of insisting that we will go to the gym three times a week for the whole 52 weeks, a resolution for each month is more achievable and lets you test out what changes actually work for you. Trying to stretch, read a news article or do a small act of kindness each day can all be a month-long resolution that is obtainable and positive.
New Years can be more than being exhausted and expecting yourself to change your habits. Focusing on all that you did in a year and enjoying the beginning of a new one can be an alternative to resolutions if you are someone who tries every year to stick to a gym regime, not be on your phone or not eat your favorite cookies. A good way to start the year is not by depriving yourself but by filling yourself with positivity by looking at all that you have done and getting yourself ready for another year.
"I thought you knew what you signed up for."
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