We’ve had the Christmas presents, but what are we giving ourselves for the New Year? There’s something everyone would like to tweak in life, but why do so many resolutions peter out by the end of January? Because big changes don’t happen overnight. (We are all human.) But don’t despair: a combination of little things can get us there. The sum of many parts.
So here’s our 20 do-able New Year Resolutions that’ll lay the foundations for the bigger stuff. Making 2025 a year of better vibes, all round…
- Give a little time (it really is more rewarding than receiving). To the elderly, the lonely or sick, a friend or a good cause. And yourself!
- Walk in the fresh air every day. Come rain or shine, 5 minutes will do – just outside and at your own pace. Evolution built us for this.
- Greet a random in passing with a hello or ‘after you’. On the train, the pavement or in a doorway. The more responses received, the greater the pleasure!
- Read a book a month: printed version. Be taken to another world, at a pace led by the author (includes taking a break from screen-time). Totally refreshing.
- Take the taste buds on holiday at home with a new veg or fruit in the weekly shop. Even swopping a regular variety for another can liven things up.
- Write a postcard/greetings card instead of messaging someone – more meaningful all round.
- Do a good deed when opportunity presents itself – small things count. Give way in traffic or let the 1 item shopper ahead of you at the checkout. Awareness of others – there’s a goodness about it.
- Respect personal space. There’s a reason horses, dogs and countryfolk get fidgety when they feel crowded – it’s a fight or flight thing. We call it manners.
- Drop a nice comment on somebody’s social media, every time you log in. There’ll be something worth a positive word in every feed – it’s all about the 2-way street.
- Phone a friend/meet a family member each week. Actually speaking is way more meaningful, and the tone of things are easier to pick up on. Beware: likely to lead to laughter.
- Talk (properly) to those closest – the original therapists! No need to explain back-stories, cut right to the chase: they’ll always have your back.
- Invite someone over, once a month. Neighbours, family, friends; to a meal, for a cuppa or a game of cards. Face to face interaction – a real tonic.
- Here’s a golden oldie: regular bedtimes (adults and juniors alike). Ditch the evening caffeine and after supper tech for best results.
- Bath before bed – not only does it wash away the day, it also relaxes body and mind.
- Take a day-trip, be a local tourist for the day. So much to see and do - all the pleasure with minimal hassle.
- Make a home-cooked meal: it really does taste better (and is more nutritious). There’s also the creativity satisfaction – from raw ingredients to dish. To really max-out, share with someone special.
- Take a Sunday slow-down: a rest day, every week. To recharge, refresh. Do something from this list.
- Reduce! The booze, smoking, convenience food… quitting may be the end game but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Cutting down is achievable and is a start to giving up.
- Drink more (plain) water. Help flush out the kidneys, lubricate everything from joints to brain function and hydrate skin. Get ready to glow.
- Litter pick in passing. The simplest of good deeds for the planet. Gratifying by the instantly visible difference. Boom.
Bring in the New Year with a breath of fresh air - a New You will emerge. Like a tree’s canopy in spring.
