Have you ever gotten to January and haven't had a New Year's resolution? Then you quick thought of one that you weren't that into and then dropped it within the first two months of the new year? Because I totally have.
Here are some foolproof resolutions that anyone can do and they're good for you too! And don't worry if you slip up because we're all human and we all do. No one is perfect. So here are six resolutions for 2019 to try.
1. Don't Be On Your Phone So Much
Relax. Be in the present with who you're with. Read a book, write in a journal, have a real conversation over the phone or face to face. Do something besides endlessly scrolling on your Instagram or Twitter newsfeed.
2. Write More
Writing is more than just putting something on paper. Writing is an outlet that a lot of people use to express themselves while keeping their feelings private. Expressive writing is being tested all the time in reducing stress and trauma. It works differently for everyone but definitely something I would recommend people trying.
3. Eat Healthier
Healthy eating is by no means easy, especially in our culture of fast food and sugar. I would say I have an okay diet but it's nowhere near it should be. Something that works is adding in a healthier food choice for one meal of your day and never eat two unhealthy meals in a row. So if you have cereal for breakfast then have a salad or really anything homemade is better than buying lunch. And for dinner have pasta or pizza or something. And making homemade pizza is super easy.
4. Exercise
For the longest time I hated exercising. The summer after high school I went to the gym maybe once. I just wasn't into it. Then I started trying different cardio and strength training machines at the gym and I found what I liked. I mean sure I don't always feel like going but I make it a point to go to the gym 3-5 days a week and it really does make you feel better to release stress and move your body. Try different things like a spin class or use the stair stepper. Don't go straight to the treadmill because if you don't like running then why are you doing it? Make going to the gym something enjoyable and something you look forward to instead of a chore.
5. Have An Over The Phone Or Face-To-Face Conversation With Someone You Love A Few Times A Week
Now this one might be challenging if you have work and school and are super busy with extra activities but it's not impossible. Even if it's coffee one day with a friend for an hour and the next day you call your mom and talk for fifteen-twenty minutes. It's so important to talk to people so they know we still care and so we don't burn those important connections.
6. Read
This is way easier said than done. I love reading more than doing most other things but some days I have to force myself to read. Maybe read a book a month or a book every other month. Even that can be hard sometimes with the craziness of life but it's doable. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
"Of Men and War"- John Hersey
This one is really short but very captivating. A classic that will make you think and be grateful for what you have and how you got it.
"Reflections From The North Country"- Sigurd F. Olson.
This book is amazing. I read it while I took my trip up to northern Minnesota and Canada this past fall and I fell in love with everything he had to say about nature, the environment, and philosophy.
"Romeo and Juliet"- William Shakespeare
I know this is a play but I absolutely love everything about it. The family feud, the great love story, and the tragedy in the end. Everything about this play is captivating to me and I just love Shakespeare and the way he writes.
Resolutions can be fun and well thought out if you put a little effort into it. Don't make it too complicated and have fun with it.