New Years' is just around the corner, and so is another aspect of it: New Years' resolutions. However, there is always a dilemma that comes with them...and that is actually going through with it rather than ending them in February. Sure everybody wants that "New Year, New Me" perspective, but we always try to tackle it in the biggest of resolutions. One way to combat this is to try changing ourselves with very small, but very doable resolutions. Here are some ideas below.
1. Cutting out soda a couple of times a week.
Soda is full of bad things that your body doesn't need, especially all the excess sugars that it provides. Sure, it might give you that boost of caffeine, but there are other options that won't your teeth while you're at it either.
2. Pick up running.
Sure, running is not everyone's favorite thing, but it really can be a full body workout. Running is something that can help alleviate the stress of everyday life, plus it tones and works out your full body and increases your stamina, so less panting walking up the stairs.
3. Start weeding out clothes you don't wear anymore.
This is an easy fix by flipping over all your clothes on the clothes rack one way, and then once you wear it once, flip it over. This helps you visualize what you actually want to wear, and what clothes are outdated in your life. At the end of the year, you now have a more updated wardrobe and can help you see what you can go on a shopping spree for.
4. Saving your spare change.
Every time you spend money, put the extra change into a jar. At the end of the year, you'll have some serious savings, even from just collecting up your pennies! I do this at college and it's great to come home from break and deposit around 20-30 dollars worth of coins back into my bank account!
5. Clean out the extra contacts in your life.
Over many years, you collect a lot of numbers that you just don't need anymore, like Jan from that one time you went up to your aunt's camp, or Gerald from the church BBQ. Something like that. With another new year approaching, it's time to cut the ties with numbers that just don't need saving anymore. Plus if a problem ever arises, you can just ask "Who's this?"
6. Try to do an act of kindness every day.
Whether it be making someone smile, or holding the door for someone else to walk through, try to find a simple act of kindness to fulfill every single day. Not only will it make someone else's day, but it will fill your heart as well.
7. Learn to manage your anger.
Sometimes, the world seems like it is crashing down and there's nothing logical to do but get angry. The world has become an angry portal, where everyone is sensitive to mostly anything. This is a good resolution because working on tolerance is something that many of us need to do, and it will eventually circle back to making us feel happier and more open to exploring the world.
Happy New Year, and may the odds of 2017 be in your favor!