The new year is coming up; do you have a resolution? Before choosing a New Year's resolution, it's important to set reasonable goals for yourself! Here are five realistic (and healthier) New Year's resolutions to set for 2016!
1. A healthier lifestyle
While putting a number on how much you want to weigh in six months and trying to get everyone in your family to participate in a rigorous workout regime is not realistic. It can be exciting to plan out meals and to envision how much better you'll look and feel, but slow and steady wins the race. Instead of running yourself ragged and then giving up after a few weeks, try aiming to have a healthier lifestyle. This includes eating healthier, trying to be more active, and getting more sleep. While these changes might result in weight loss, they're less rule-governed, and therefore are easier to follow. After all, goals are set to achieve, and rules are made to be broken.
2. Read one book a month
"Sleep is good, and books are better." - George R.R. Martin
It can be difficult to cut out time in your day to read, even if you want to. Setting a goal to read one book a month gives you plenty of time to read, and it gives you a reason to stop binge-watching Netflix as often.
3. Spend more time taking care of yourself
Between work, school, relationships, and family, carving time out of your week to focus on yourself might feel impossible. It's important to take care of yourself and to give yourself a break now and then. Find a friend who can go out every other week with you to relax and have fun. It's just as important to make time for fun as it is to make time for work.
4. Cut out the toxic relationships
We all have a few relationships we know that we'd probably be healthier without-- what's keeping you from cutting out the bad ones and making room for new relationships that are more beneficial? Make a list of the people that are causing you stress in your life, and decide if they're people that are good for you or not. There's nothing wrong with being honest with yourself about how people affect your life and making healthy decisions for yourself!
5. Start the new year fresh
Try to start the new year off by having a clean slate. Let go of the stressors and hurts from 2015, and look forward to the new year and a new you. Forgive people who you need to forgive, apologize to those who you have wronged, and start again. Don't let old struggles weigh you down!
