I don’t think people have ever been so excited – on a global scale – to kiss a year goodbye as we all are about 2023. It’s time to look to the future in 2024, with hope and excitement and a commitment to never giving up on living our best lives.
One of the most time-honored traditions of celebrating a new year is to create New Year’s resolutions, with an earnest intent to see them through over the next year.
But here are some fun facts about New Year’s resolutions: statistics show that nearly 60 million Americans say they do make resolutions every January 1st, but about 26 million of them also bail on them in the first month!
The key to success is choosing the right New Year’s resolution(s) – things you’re excited to accomplish, can realistically achieve, and have been appropriately planned out before the toll of the New Year so that you start off on the right foot.
This list of best New Year resolution ideas for 2024 will not only inspire you in your quest to be a better person, it will provide tips and action steps for bringing your resolutions to fruition.
Increase your motivation even further with some excellent New Year quotes to plaster on your social media, phone background, and refrigerator for daily inspiration!
What is a New Year resolution?
In the most general meaning, the definition of a New Year’s resolution is a commitment you make to yourself to improve who you are in some way throughout the year.
More specifically, examples of a New Year resolution include:
- Vowing to continue good habits (like sobriety)
- Breaking bad habits
- Consciously improving a part of your personality (like empathy)
- Achieving a specific personal, financial, fitness, or career goal
While it’s true most resolutions are not achieved in a single year, you are actually more likely to succeed if you commit yourself to it starting January 1st. This in itself gives some importance to the resolutions you make.
How to make a New Year resolution is simple: you just decide. You don’t have to tell anyone, write it down anywhere, or even say it out loud – although these are all things you are more than welcome to do to up your motivation. But just making the decision to improve an aspect in your life is all it takes to begin a New Year’s resolution.
Many people decide their resolutions on New Year’s Eve, but if you wake up on January 1st suddenly inspired to choose one right then, there is no reason you can’t! There aren’t any rules when it comes to resolutions.
The real question is this: Should you make New Year’s resolutions? I believe it depends on your personality. If you have a lot of anxiety, especially when it comes to failure (but please know failure is a normal part of life), you might want to skip it. If you thrive on making and sticking to plans, a resolution could be the perfect way for you to reach your goals.
Do what feels right for you.
How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions
The main reason why New Year’s resolutions fail is a lack of knowledge on how to proceed. So I have some tips for keeping your New Year resolutions!
You’re most likely to succeed at the most common New Year’s resolutions if you set measurable goals (I will lose one pound a week) vs. general ones (I will lose weight)!
The most surefire way to stick to a good New Year’s resolution is to create a plan for achieving it at the end of the year before, so you have no excuse not to begin on January 1st. If you want to lose weight, create a meal plan and workout routine. If you want to save money, create a budget ahead of time.
Start a bullet journal for both planning out your resolution and tracking your progress at regular intervals.
You can also create a New Year resolution board, which is the same thing as a vision board. Cut out bits of magazines, books, newspapers, etc. (both images and words) that are related to your goal and can visually inspire you. Hang it somewhere you see everyday, like on your bathroom mirror or the front of the refrigerator.
The New Year’s resolution list below includes specific examples from categories like fitness, health, and weight loss; finances and saving money; improved mental health; and creating better relationships with kids, family, and friends. Some are a bit vague and will take further planning. Others are specific, unique resolutions that are simple to implement and will boost your self-confidence because they are easy to achieve.
New Year Resolution Ideas
1. Take more baths.
I used to think luxurious baths were a waste of time – until I tried my first bath bomb several months ago. After three years of living in our new house, I finally took a long enough bath to realize our jacuzzi tub is also heated.
Now I’m obsessed, and I have a weekly date with myself to take a candlelit bath and watch an hour-long episode of TV.
2. Play like a child – and more often.
When was the last time you hula-hooped, flew a kite, or colored with crayons? Acting like a child can stimulate feel-good hormones alongside a wonderful case of nostalgia. You’ll develop a stronger bond with your kids and give them memories to cherish, as well.
3. Be happy with the life you have right now.
While we should always be trying to improve ourselves, and there’s nothing wrong with looking to the future, it’s important to enjoy life in the moment, too. You may never have a mansion, or even as much as your next-door neighbor, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a great life.
4. Be open to seeing a therapist.
I’m willing to bet virtually every person on the planet could benefit in some way from therapy. In America, there is still(!) a stigma attached to seeing a therapist, and it’s time to nip it in the bud. Taking care of your mental health via regular check-ups is just as important as your annual physical exam or pap smear.
If you don’t know where to start, call your insurance provider for recommendations of therapists in your area.
5. Learn a new skill.
One of the more popular New Year’s resolutions, learning a new skill is a way to keep life interesting as well as improve one’s self. Think of something you’ve always wanted to be able to do, like app building or backsplash installation, and take a class or watch YouTube tutorials. Then put it to work in real life!
6. Clean out your closet – and donate the old clothes and shoes.
Clothes are the easiest thing to clutter your home with. They are technically an “essential” so we are able to justify our purchases, but the truth is most of us have far more than we need or would ever actually wear.
And while it’s tempting to want to post your purged clothes on the marketplace to try and earn some extra cash, try donating to a women’s shelter instead. You’ll save yourself the time and trouble of listing items and meeting buyers, and you’ll be helping other women when they need it the most.
7. Try a new “diet.”
I don’t recommend actually dieting, as in counting calories. I just mean trying a new way of eating that’s popular these days, like Whole30, paleo, or vegetarian. You’ll likely end up eating healthier than you are with very simple restrictions.
It’s also more likely that you’ll try foods you otherwise wouldn’t have, meaning your overall palette will be expanded in the process. The “diet” doesn’t have to last forever – but you may decide you like the way it makes you feel!
8. Hunt for the perfect, comfy workout clothes.
If your sports bra and leggings are too tight, too baggy, or made of an unpleasant material, you’re just giving yourself one more excuse not to be active. It’s important to spend the time and money on comfortable activewear with a perfect fit. They should be so cozy that you can’t wait to go to the gym for an excuse to wear them!
9. Turn on music – instead of the TV – when you need background noise.
I understand the need for noise, even while you’re working. The quiet can be depressing! But turning on the TV can be too distracting and lead to decreased productivity throughout the day. Music not only allows you to keep your eyes on your work but can make you even more productive and happy.
Turn on contemporary radio instead of your iTunes, too. Unfamiliar songs are less likely to distract your brain, but you’ll also have the opportunity to discover new music you like as it catches your ear!
10. Cut back on streaming services (to save time AND money).
There are a ton of streaming options these days, with Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney+, AppleTV, HBOMax, Peacock, Paramount+, and more. There are two important things to remember about streaming, though:
- These platforms are easy to cancel and reactivate from one month to the next, and
- You can only watch so much TV in your life!
Try creating a schedule for only subscribing to one or two platforms a month, and set a monthly reminder in your phone to pause those subscriptions and restart others. You’ll save a lot of money throughout the year (all of those together can total almost $150/month!) while still having the opportunity to catch up on your favorite shows.
11. Face your fears.
Certain fears are really common, like heights, flying, and being in social situations. Many of these fears can be overcome – and once they are, you’ll have a happier, less anxious life.
Try looking down from the top of a building, flying to a faraway vacation spot, or going to a bar with your girlfriends. You’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of!
12. Get plenty of sunlight, especially in the winter.
January 1st may be a day filled with motivation, but if you have SAD like me, that can quickly be killed by winter days with less than 10 hours of sunlight in a 17-hour waking day. Throughout the whole year, try to get as much sunlight as possible whenever it’s available. Your mood will improve and so will your health!
13. Eat more vegetables.
I know I’m not alone in my preference for sugar and sweet foods like fruit and candy. But it’s hypocritical of me to tell my kids they have to eat vegetables before getting their sandwich at lunch, while I’m standing at the kitchen counter eating hot dogs before my cupcake.
Vegetables are important for their nutrients and overall health benefits. They’re also lower in calories and great for filling up on, allowing you to naturally reduce how much junk food you eat without restricting. Be sure to include them in your meal planning – for at least two meals a day!
14. Start lifting weights.
I am a big woman, and most cardio is really hard for me at my current size. Lifting weights is a great way to get started on the path to fitness! You’re still burning more calories during a workout (even though you’re mostly standing still), increased muscle mass means your body burns more calories when at rest as well, and the need to eat more lean meats and other proteins will help you cut back on empty calories.
15. Mute social media for 24 hours in a row.
Social media is a lot of things, and unfortunately, many of those are bad. It can be addictive, it eats up productivity time, and it can lower your self esteem.
Challenge yourself to go 24 hours in a row – every month, or even every week if you can manage it – without opening a single social app. All the posts will still be there when you log back on, but you may find yourself less anxious and more productive with practice.
16. Spend an hour every day on your goals.
When you work full time, have a family to take care of, and a home to keep up with, working on things that are important to YOU can be difficult. If you’re trying to start your own business, for example, a couple of hours on the weekend just aren’t enough to make any headway.
Even if you have to get up an hour before your kids or give up an hour of TV at night, make a commitment to spend 365 hours this year on a project for yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with that amount of time!
17. Change your look.
Becoming an adult can sometimes lead to a lack of innovation. How long have you been doing the same makeup routine every morning? When was the last time you told your hair stylist to go wild and try something new?
Creating a new look for yourself can have a ripple effect in the rest of your life, boosting your confidence and creativity. Even if it’s just a box of hair dye and a new shade of lipstick, give it a go – you can always change it up again if you don’t like it.
18. Take the stairs whenever possible.
If you live above the second floor, you might feel the burn of this healthy New Year’s resolution more than others. But vowing to take the stairs instead of elevators has a lot of benefits: reduced stress, improved fitness, and even a substitute to a gym membership!
In my life, I don’t come across a lot of elevators – but I do have a set of steps in my house. If that’s your situation too, you can always make a commitment to go up and down the stairs in your house 10 times a day.
19. Stop apologizing for things out of your control.
Women in particular tend to feel a need to apologize for everything that goes wrong in an effort to comfort others. STOP IT! It is not your fault if your sister didn’t get the promotion she was up for, or that you started crying in the theater during Endgame. Empathy is a good trait to have, but it doesn’t mean you should internalize the discomfort of others.
20. Be actively kind to people on social media.
I’ve already mentioned that social media can be a bit toxic – and yet we can’t seem to stay away! Why not work on a unique New Year’s resolution to help make social apps better places to be?
When you scroll past a picture you like, no matter how mundane, give it a “heart.” Take a few seconds to comment on posts that ask questions or that you can relate to. These actions mean even more when they’re done to people you don’t normally interact with on social media (or don’t even know at all!). They help boost self-esteem and can even lead to deeper connections with people you never knew you had things in common with.
21. Keep up with the news.
Keeping this resolution doesn’t necessarily mean watching the 6 o’clock news everyday (or even at all). It could be as simple as following a few news stations on Twitter or checking the front page of Yahoo when you first get on your computer.
Sometimes the news is boring, or heartbreaking, or infuriating – but it’s important to know what’s going on the world. Especially if you want to share educated opinions about it!
22. Find a home for everything in your kitchen.
Kitchens tend to end up cluttered and messy faster than any other room in the house, due to how often they’re used. A common culprit is having more than you need – or have room for – and letting the overflow rest on the counter.
Having so much stuff visible on your counters can increase stress every time you go in the kitchen – and that’s a lot! Make a resolution to give everything in the kitchen a home, whether it’s in a cabinet, a drawer, or elsewhere in the house. If you literally cannot put it all away, that means it’s time to get rid of some stuff (I’m looking at you, dusty toaster).
23. Get your grown-up documents in order.
Being thrust into adulthood requires a lot of priority-sorting to take place, and things like “in case” documents tend to fall by the wayside. But it’s really important to take care of them, especially if you have children.
Make a resolution to create a will, a designated power of attorney in the event of incapacitation, and legal guardianship paperwork for your kids. You can’t rely on your family to make the same decisions you would in those events, because they might not even know what you want!
Do some work now that will make life easier on your partner, too, if you were no longer able to communicate. Write down all important logins (like where you pay the mortgage and utility bills, or even the Netflix password), a list of all your bank and credit card accounts (and their logins), and any other crucial information and keep it somewhere both safe and easily discovered if your partner were to go looking for help (like your night stand). It can be a nightmare for a spouse to try and take over these things if they weren’t responsible for them before.
24. Drink less.
You can quit drinking altogether if you prefer, but that’s not really necessary for healthier living. Studies have shown that having one alcoholic beverage a day is usually better than bingeing on the weekend. But cutting it down to less than one a day – say, 4 or 5 drinks a week – is likely the best choice (and may even have more health benefits than abstaining altogether).
25. Try planking.
No, I’m not talking about the fad of trying to lie perfectly straight on every single object you can think of. I’m talking about the actual exercise where you get in a push-up position but with your forearms on the ground and hold yourself straight for as long as possible.
Even if you don’t have time for a full workout session on a daily basis, simply planking for as long as you can once or twice a day can greatly increase your core strength. Try it every day for a year and be proud of your strength and stamina by showing off at the next New Year’s Eve party!
26. Practice saying “no.”
This problem applies to both men and women: struggling to say no to things (that aren’t morally wrong) because of guilt about letting people down.
For 2024, dig deep on every request you get and ask if it’s something you really want, or are easily able, to do. Don’t want to go to your baby cousin’s first birthday party? Don’t! (If that really bothers you, you can always mail a gift and a card in your absence.) Don’t want to lend your brother another $50? It’s not your responsibility to cover his bills.
27. Create a detailed budget.
Knowing where your money is going is an important step toward achieving financial independence and being able to save for things you really want. Create a budget, whether on paper or the computer, and write down each bill you have as well as your expected income each month. Throughout the year, keep track of the real numbers for both and adjust as needed to keep your goals on track.
If there’s nothing left over to save, it might be time to figure out where you can cut down your spending (even if it’s just buying cheaper groceries). It might also be the motivation you need to work on building your own business or side hustle to earn more cash!
28. Try a new recipe each week.
Learning to cook is one of the most important skills you can develop! It saves money on takeout, leads to eating healthier, and instills a great sense of pride when you eat something tasty you put together yourself.
A daily new recipe is a goal likely to break fast. But one new recipe a week – no matter what meal – is easily obtainable. When you find one you like, keep it on the rotation throughout the year so you can practice and tweak the recipe to your personal perfection. You’ll have improved cooking skills and a lot of new answers to “What’s for dinner?”!
29. Slow down while eating.
New Year’s food resolutions are common, but this one, in particular, is not. It should be, though, especially if you’re trying to eat less! Eating slowly increases your feeling of fullness after less food – even if your “fullness” hormones don’t actually increase!
This means that by simply allowing yourself more time to eat, you will have a tendency to eat less (which means eating fewer calories throughout the day). No diet or restrictions necessary! You just might have to actually use your whole lunch break for… eating lunch.
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30. Make your own coffee.
One of the biggest unnecessary expenditures in America on a daily basis is the purchase of prepared coffee – often at outrageous prices. (You know I’m talking about Starbucks.) You’re also spending a lot of time to get it when you stand in line or wait in the drive-thru.
Save yourself that time and money by finally making your coffee at home! I’ve been doing it for over a decade, because I drink a LOT of coffee and can’t afford not to. I drink three large mugs a day (about six “cups” as measured by a coffee pot) and it costs me less than $20 a month for the coffee grounds and flavored creamer. That’s 20 cents per delicious cup of coffee!!
Even if you wanted to splurge in the new year on a home latte and cappuccino maker, K-cup pods, and reusable Starbucks-branded cups, you’d still end up saving money over the course of the year. If you set up the coffeemaker the night before, you’ll have an extra 10+ minutes each morning, too – and for me, my time is invaluable.
31. Take more walks.
Having an office job – or even being a mother to a baby – can mean you don’t get outside very much. Sedentary lifestyles are much more common these days, so it’s important to put in a conscious effort to be more active.
The simple act of walking is a great choice! You can do it with your whole family, it doesn’t require fancy workout clothes, and you can start it no matter what level of fitness you have. Being outside is also a perk: you’ll become familiar with your surroundings, absorb more Vitamin D, and get some fresh air.
32. Find healthier recipes for foods you already love.
Too often, New Year’s diets involve cutting out foods we love, which means we’re not likely to stick to those diets for very long. But culinary artists have gotten really creative in the past few years with recreating traditional dishes into healthier versions – particularly when it comes to cutting out carbs.
Think of your favorite dishes, whether it’s creamy pastas or sweet desserts, and Google healthy copycat recipes to try instead. Before you know it, you’ll have an arsenal of health-conscious meals you actually enjoy eating and will be eating healthier without feeling deprived.
33. Cash your paychecks and track where they go.
The envelope system has been around for a while, and it’s a great way for visual people to understand where they’re overspending and find ways to save money. It’s too easy to swipe a card for every purchase and wait for your balance to disappear before you stop spending.
Using cash, divided into envelopes labeled by their spending category, creates a sense of finite resources for each bill you have. You may discover that you’re spending far more money on groceries than you thought – allowing you to either adjust your spending in that category, or adjust the budget of others to accommodate.
34. Plan your meals before grocery shopping each week.
Going to the grocery store without a plan is bad for a number of reasons: you don’t know if what you’re buying is enough to get you through the week, you’re not sure how much you’re spending until you get to checkout, and it’s far too easy to buy less healthy, prepackaged meals because you don’t know what you need for a recipe.
Make a resolution to create a meal plan and grocery list every week before shopping. Even better: order your groceries online for pickup or delivery. You can be sure you’ve gotten everything you need and you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending before you check out.
35. Reduce your screen time – and vow to stop second-screening.
This is by FAR one of the hardest resolutions to make (and stick to). Screens are a normal part of our lives now, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy to look at one your entire waking hours.
Try setting aside time for a specific show in the evening and keep the TV off the rest of the day. Download an app that will lock your phone for a while if you exceed your own predetermined screen time. And stop looking at your phone while “watching” TV! If you want to watch a show, leave your phone in the other room. If you want to browse social media, turn off the show.
36. Stop procrastinating, and start making daily to-do lists.
One of the biggest hurdles I have with getting anything done is not knowing where to start, or not having a clear plan in front of me. I find that making daily to-do lists greatly relieves my anxiety, even if I don’t get it all done and have to move it to the next day’s to-do list. I still get more done than I would otherwise!
The more detailed your to-do lists are, the better. You can even put things on it like “shower” or “prep veggies for dinner” – every single item you tick off will release feel-good hormones, motivating you to keep going even more.
37. Actually start flossing your teeth once a day.
Your dentist may pretend to believe you do it, but skipping flossing can be detrimental to the health of your gums and teeth. Resolving to floss – preferably at night, to remove food debris before sleeping – is tougher than you might think. You’re not likely to see any visible rewards for keeping up this habit, but doing it is important just the same.
38. Study a foreign culture you know nothing about.
Broaden your horizons and study a part of the world you’ve never given a single thought to before. Spin a globe and see where your finger lands – or target an area on the map you know you don’t know well enough (for me, that’d be pretty much anywhere in Africa).
Over the course of the year, read books, watch documentaries, and follow news about the area. Seek out people who live there on social media (if reasonably possible) and make new friends. You might even want to plan a trip there before the end of the year to complete your education (and reward yourself)!
39. Make an upbeat playlist to keep handy.
A sour mood can be difficult to turn around, especially if you don’t know what caused it in the first place. I’m actually in that kind of mood right now; I suspect it’s my anxiety about the holidays, or my Seasonal Affective Disorder.
High-tempo music can evoke happiness, excitement, and liveliness, boosting your mood just by altering what’s going in your ears. Make a playlist on Spotify of your favorite pop-style songs so you always have a cure on hand for your bad vibes. Might I recommend “Move Along” by the All-American Rejects?
40. Stop buying things you don’t need, especially “stuff.”
I was very guilty of this habit when I was younger and first had “my” own money to spend. I’d spend it on everything, like movie memorabilia and knick knacks for my desk. But these things can prevent you from saving money as well as create a feeling of clutter around your house. This New Year resolution idea can apply to clothes, kitchenware, and (gasp!) books, too.
The next time you go to buy something, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I really need – or really want – this?
- Do I have somewhere to put it?
- Is there something else I could get rid of to make room for this?
Be honest with yourself, and you’ll end up spending less and saving more. Here’s a pro tip: If you’re still thinking about something you saw at the store a month later, give yourself permission to go back and get it!
41. Stop judging others and practice empathy.
Another tough resolution to uphold all the time, this one is worth making an effort to practice. Judging other people (particularly via social media) can give you a very temporary brain boost and make you feel better about yourself, but it won’t last long and just makes you look like a mean bully.
Empathy, on the other hand, is the practice of putting yourself in other people’s shoes. You’ll learn how to view topics from other people’s perspectives (even if you continue to disagree) and understand how they would feel if you said those mean things to them. Stop chiming in on gossip posts (or making them yourself), and ask yourself if the “other” person could use someone on their side instead.
42. Delegate as much as possible.
This resolution starts with the willingness to ask others for help when you need it. Stop thinking of yourself as a burden on others, or that things are only done right if you do them all yourself. You’re just burning yourself out and missing out on connections with people that would be happy to help you.
It should not be your sole responsibility to do all the meal planning, bill paying, caretaking, and cleaning in your household. Even if you don’t have a partner or your children are too young to help, call up a relative to come over and help you out! You’ll be surprised how happy some people are to be of service. Besides, it’s a good excuse to spend time with other family members, too.
43. Create a “me time” arrangement with your partner.
One of the best things I ever did for my mental health was suggest a “night off” for my husband and I each week. On two nights a week when the children don’t have to be bathed and we have no other engagements, we each take a turn going down to the basement family room on our own while the other takes care of the kids upstairs for the rest of the night.
That’s right. 4-5 nights a month, I get to drink wine and binge watch Netflix while he puts both kids to bed himself. And he gets the same thing. And here’s my little secret: when it’s his night in the basement, after I get both kids into bed, I take the opportunity to have a relaxing, candlelit bath in my jacuzzi tub, knowing I won’t be interrupted by any of them. So for me, both nights are bliss.
If you don’t have a partner, try this with a sibling or close friend you’d be willing to leave your children with.
44. Start a side hustle – and save the money.
Gone are the days when average American families can live comfortably on a single working adult’s salary. And if you want to elevate your standard of living, two incomes often isn’t even enough. So side hustles are the name of the game!
Whether it’s creating custom t-shirts or taking engagement photos, find something you’re passionate and knowledgeable about and turn it into a new source of income. It might not even be much, especially if you don’t have a ton of time to work on it. But an extra $50 a month adds up to $600 a year – enough to throw a killer birthday party, redo your bathroom, or have something set aside for a rainy day.
45. Practice meditation.
You might think it’s a waste of time to spend 10+ minutes every day just sitting still, not consuming any kind of media, or working on a project. But the evidence is clear: meditation has vast benefits, including increased patience and creativity.
Honestly, this is a perfectly simple (and plain old perfect) New Year resolution idea. If a mom couldn’t use meditation, I don’t know who could. Meditation is also a simple way to improve your mental health and manage symptoms of physical health issues.
46. Put everything for the whole year into your planner.
Now obviously you don’t know everything that’s going to happen for an entire year already. But you do know birthdays, anniversaries, quarterly deadlines etc. Go ahead and write them all down now so they’re not forgotten down the road – then copy them over to a new planner at the end of each year.
It’s also smart to make “reminder” notes in your planner for when you should start calling to schedule appointments a few weeks before they come due, like teeth cleanings, pap smears, and eye exams. You’re more likely to do it when it’s on paper looking back at you rather than relying on your memory to trigger you to call.
47. Create a budget based on your income – then charge everything to your credit card.
Hear me out on this one! This resolution is a two-parter: vowing to only spend on things you’ve budgeted for, as well as paying off your credit card every single month.
So, why in the world would you ever want to do that? There’s actually a few really, really good reasons to do this. The most sensible reason is that if you were to miscalculate one week and charge a bill too early, your bank account won’t get an overdraft fee (or your check won’t bounce). You’ll still be paying the same total balance for the month on the card, so it doesn’t matter if you charged it a week early or a week late.
Another ridiculously smart reason to charge everything – your utilities, gas, food, and entertainment – is to earn points for cash back! If you’re not using a credit card that offers points, you’re doing credit all wrong. I have the Chase Freedom Unlimited card that gives me 1.5% back for every dollar spent on everything (and more for things like dining), as well as the Amazon card that gives me 5% back on all Amazon purchases!
I get at least $30 in Amazon credit or cash back every single month for absolutely zero extra effort. Honestly, you’re nuts if you don’t resolve to do this in 2024.
48. Pick up a new hobby.
Hobbies may seem like something only people with lots of free time get to do, but they’re actually a good excuse to make time for yourself. A hobby can provide you with something to look forward to, a way to make new friends, or even just a way to keep your hands busy and your anxiety in check.
I consider this blog my hobby now, but before I had kids, I also used to create plastic canvas and yarn decor as well as scrapbook. If you’re not sure what you’d be into, there’s literally a massive list of hobbies to explore for inspiration!
49. Let go of grudges.
2024 is the year to let things GO. Everyone had a tough year – even the person you swore you’d never talk to again. Treat this year like a clean slate, and treat people the way you’d like to be treated, regardless of what they’ve done to you.
A grudge is just putting effort into being bitter, and you don’t need to spend your energy on that. It truly is easier to forgive and move on. Even if you don’t want to reach out to the people you feel have wronged you, making a point to mentally release that kind of anger can be beneficial to your emotional health.
50. Join a club or group that meets in person.
Find a Facebook group of people with a common interest, a local theater group, or a volunteer center to join. This New Year resolution idea will likely help you make new friends, and making plans with a group gives everyone something to look forward to.
It’s important to keep putting yourself out there to open yourself up to new experiences down the line. Don’t let 2024 stunt your growth as a person!
51. Create a skincare routine.
You may have gotten away with a splash of water in the morning when you were younger, but it’s time to start taking care of your face. It’s not just about trying to look younger than you are, either. Your face is the first thing people see when they meet you, and you need to make a good first impression.
Invest in a quality face wash, moisturizer, and exfoliator. Your resolution should be to actually use these things twice a day (or as directed) – after your morning shower and before you go to bed at night. Take before and after photos at the beginning and end of the year to see how much your hard work pays off!
52. Visit art museums.
I live in a more rural area, so this kind of resolution is a challenge – but all the more worth it. Exploring art you’ve never seen before will broaden your mind, introduce you to concepts you’ve never even heard of, and inspire you in your daily life.
Even if you have to plan weekend trips to nearby cities to get to new museums, do it! Your kids will benefit from the experience, too.
53. Quit smoking and vaping.
Listen, it’s 2024 now. Smoking is so 20th century – and vaping doesn’t look cool, either. The bottom line is, if you’re intentionally inhaling a lot of something into your lungs that isn’t oxygen, you’re not doing your lungs any favors.
If you’re also hoping to get in shape in 2024, quitting smoking is pretty much a requirement. Abused lungs aren’t going to make it far in a cardio workout!
54. Find a charity you care about, and get to work.
Giving back to your community is a mutually beneficial experience. You’re helping those in need, and boosting your own self-esteem in the process. Look up local organizations for topics you’re passionate about: cancer, homelessness, etc. Then find out how you can help!
It could just be donating $20 out of each paycheck throughout the year, or donating your time to help organize fundraisers or build new homes. Every little act of kindness and giving counts, so don’t worry about if you’re doing “enough” throughout the year. Intention is everything!
55. Plan a vacation for this specific reason.
There’s a strong need to have something to look forward to in 2024. Anticipation is good for mental health because it can roughly be translated into “hope.” Having something in the future to look forward to can keep you from dwelling on less satisfactory present circumstances (as well as the past).
Planning a vacation seems like an easy New Year resolution idea, but you really shouldn’t count it out in 2024. It’s the ultimate form of anticipation, and planning far in advance also helps you practice delayed gratification. Even if you can’t plan to actually take the vacation within the year, the simple act of buying a ticket or even writing down your plan for the vacation you’re going to book can have positive effects.
56. Take your vitamins.
You may think daily pill-popping is for the ill or elderly, but it’s just not true. Even my kids take multivitamins every day! Taking a blanket vitamin combo is a great first step but during the year, take it a step further. Visit your family doctor for your annual blood work, and ask them to make special note of any vitamin deficiencies. Then target those deficiencies with specific vitamin supplements (which is usually more effective than a “one size fits most” multivitamin).
I happen to have a plethora of deficiencies, so I do take a multivitamin – but I also take a separate Magnesium tablet everyday, too. (If I skip it, I get terrible muscle cramps!)
57. Learn how to eat intuitively.
If you want to lose weight or eat a little better but you don’t want to restrict any particular food, intuitive eating is what you need to practice this year. Eating intuitively is actually really simple, it just takes some conscious effort.
Before you even start eating, ask yourself if you’re really hungry. Just because the clock says it’s lunchtime doesn’t mean your body actually needs to eat! Then for every meal you eat (or as often as possible), turn off all media and other distractions, and focus solely on your food. Eat it slowly, chewing carefully. Put all of your focus on determining when you’ve had enough to eat – and refrigerate or throw away what’s left.
Intuitive eating is about getting rid of the “clean plate” mentality, the fear of throwing out food when others are starving, and knowing how much food your body needs to be sustained. It takes a lot of effort, and you might struggle with will power at first with foods you really love. But over time, it will become second nature, and your body will thank you for it.
58. Cut back on caffeine.
I’m not gonna tell you to cut out caffeine altogether, because that involves getting rid of even decaf coffee and chocolate. I’m not insane. But too much caffeine too often DOES lead to a dependency, and you should be able to have a clear mind and alert attention without a venti every single morning.
If you need more motivation to cut back than that, consider this: by drinking decaf coffee, you can have even more of it without making yourself jittery and nauseous. As someone who drinks coffee for the flavors and the full-belly feeling of a hot beverage, this is a no-brainer.
59. Adopt a pet.
Let me first admit that I am not an animal person. The thought of cleaning up after and feeding yet another creature in my home gives me insane anxiety. But pets actually do have a lot of benefits, too, like decreased blood pressure and reduced feelings of loneliness.
The key to being a pet owner is finding the right kind of pet for you and your family. If you want something low maintenance, a turtle or a couple of fish in a smaller tank are a great choice (and you can actually hold a turtle!). If you need something furry but don’t want your house destroyed, a rabbit, hamster, or guinea pit could be good. And of course, there are always dogs and cats waiting to be adopted.
60. Keep a journal every day.
Human memories are notoriously imperfect, whether we’re talking about something that happened 20 years ago or something that happened last week. A New Year resolution idea to keep a daily journal is a fun way to go back and review some of the little things you’ve forgotten since writing them. It’s also interesting to review events you can remember through the lens of who you were when it happened!
In order to increase the odds that you actually write in a 2024 journal everyday, think of it like this: You’re only committing to a daily journal in 2024. Once 2025 hits, you can give it up (if you want). Giving yourself an end date makes you more likely to stay on track. And remember, missing one day doesn’t mean you’ve messed up the whole year – just pick back up the next day and carry on.
61. Get in touch with nature.
I am a total homebody. I love staying at home, being indoors, or generally avoiding bugs and weather wherever possible. Still, there is something special about being surrounded by nothing but the natural. Going somewhere you can’t see any buildings, power lines, or pavement has a way of simultaneously calming and inspiring you. Spend the first month of the year seeking out a perfect place like this (preferably a large one), then use the rest of 2024 to explore what lies in nature.
Just don’t forget to take a paper map and a compass – you might not have a phone signal out there!
62. Rotate your fitness routines.
A common cause of giving up workouts is feeling like they’re too boring. Instead of creating one daily routine, or even a weekly routine, try creating a series of workouts that span over two, three, or even four weeks. Then rotate your weekly plans so you’re always working on new parts of your body and doing something different!
63. Invest in bins, bags, and shelves to aid in tidiness.
This is never more true than when you have kids: It’s hard to keep things put away and the house uncluttered. Constantly finding every object’s “home” can be exhausting – and often unrealistic when hectic schedules are involved.
The secret to maintaining a sense of neatness (and therefore reducing your stress and anxiety) is to have pockets of storage all over the house. Throughout the year, as you come across areas in your home or office that seem to accumulate a lot of “stuff,” try putting a lidded box, woven basket, or small set of shelves in its place. Simply having your keys, wallet, and chapstick in a small bowl in the entryway will feel much more composed than letting the sprawl across the side table.
64. Save the money each month on an expense you hope to have.
I’ve always done this before buying new cars, but it will work for any purchase you need a loan or recurring monthly payment for. Let’s say you want to buy a car and the estimated monthly payment is $300. Well, prove you can afford it first by saving $300 a month over the next year. Then at the end of the year, not only do you know you can handle it, but you’ve saved $3600 for a down payment!
65. Plan fun, free activities every month.
Lacking in discretionary income doesn’t mean life has to be boring and lived on the couch. Take this New Year resolution idea as a challenge to do a lot of things with as little money as possible!
Once you start looking, you’ll find there are a lot of fun things you and your family can do for free! Trips to the library, free nights at local museums, and planning picnics all come to mind. When holidays come around, look for local events celebrating them with free concerts or fireworks shows. You’ll create awesome memories without having to spend a dime!
66. Stop over-researching every decision.
I am SUPER guilty of this! Even though Orbitz pulls data from lots of different airlines, I also feel the need to search for a flight on Kayak, Travelocity, and the airline websites themselves. And I pretty much never find a better deal than I did just looking via Orbitz. And even if I had, is the extra $20 saved on a $1000 trip really worth the extra four hours I spent doing research?
When a decision needs to be made, look at two sources (three TOPS) before moving forward. Overanalysis is the number one killer of excitement, so live your life with quick choices and let go of the FOMO.
67. Make a fitness routine, NOT a weight loss goal.
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every single year is to lose weight. The problem is that this resolution is simply too vague to follow through on! You need to get more specific, but you might also need to change your trajectory.
Losing weight in and of itself is not what makes someone healthy, especially if fad diets or extreme workouts are part of the equation. For 2024, instead of once again telling yourself you’re going to reach a certain number on the scale, just commit to a weekly workout routine. That’s it! By sticking to a fitness regimen, you probably will lose some weight, but you’ll also be guaranteeing yourself a healthier body by the end of the year – no matter what your weight is.
68. Organize your digital photos.
The way we treat photography in the digital age is an absolute travesty. We photograph everything and upload it to social media immediately, just to never give it another thought. The thing is, someday when you’re older and life has slowed down considerably, you’re going to want to go through the millions of old pictures you took. And you won’t know where to begin!
Before you start diving into the past, make a resolution to organize all the new photos you take this year. At the end of each photography-filled day, download your phone or camera pictures to a hard drive (or two!) and put them in a folder labeled with the date and event.
Then as you have time throughout the year, go back through all of your old digital pictures and do the same. It’s going to be hard, and you might not even know when or where the photos were taken if it’s been a long time (see why the organization is important now?). Check the file info of pictures you’re not sure about – they likely have a “Created” date that’ll clue you in to when it was taken (or at least when it was uploaded to the computer).
69. Go to bed (and wake up!) at the same time every day.
This responsible New Year resolution idea doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to go out with friends or catch some extra Zs on the occasional Sunday. But resolving to stick to a bedtime and waking time on most days is really good for your body and mind. Irregular sleep patterns can lead to various chronic illnesses and memory loss.
Make your sleep-time target between 7 and 8 hours a night, then create your routine accordingly. If you have to get up at 6AM for work during the week, set a daily reminder to begin your bedtime routine (packing lunches, removing makeup, etc.) at 10PM to ensure you’re relaxed and ready for bed by 11. Try to keep up this routine on the weekends, too, unless an event or other circumstances require otherwise. Constantly interrupting them just to stay up and get up later two days a week can still have negative effects.
70. Commit to being punctual.
Every social circle has at least one person who is so predictably late, they’ve become an inside joke in and of themselves. If this is you, it’s time to start surprising people! If you always seem to be 10 minutes late to literally everything, start making a conscious effort to get ready 15 minutes earlier than you normally would.
For example, if the party starts at 7 and you live 20 minutes away, 6:30 is not the time to plan on changing clothes and loading up the car. (Have you met kids? It somehow takes them 17 minutes to put on socks.) If getting ready earlier proves to be difficult, try putting events in your calendar for a time 30 minutes earlier than it actually is!
71. Find a way to make money AND be happy.
Easier said than done, I know. But the real reason people end up miserable in their work is that we find a job that will pay our bills… then stop looking. If you’re not working at a job you love, but you make plenty of money, is it really worth it? And if the job you love pays less, are there ways you can cut back on your bills to take it?
Our best adult years should be spent enjoying life. If you’re working 60 hours a week at a great-paying job that leaves you no time to enjoy what you’ve earned, you shouldn’t give up your job hunt just yet. Maybe it’ll take all year – or longer – for the right opportunity to come around, but if you’re not looking for it, it will pass you by.
72. Quit comparing yourself to others and their experiences.
Social media makes this even harder to do than it used to be! Not only are you seeing the successes and adventures of your family members, neighbors, and close friends, but you’re also getting a peek into the lives of every single person you went to high school with, worked with in the past, or have never and will never meet because they are a freaking celebrity.
FOMO is real, but the truth is there are things you’re just not going to have the opportunity to do no matter what. It’s just not realistic to think you can do EVERYTHING everyone else is doing! Instead of wishing you’d be invited to the party or hoping you could win the lottery so you can afford whatever you want, practice being thankful for the things you do have. Odds are there are plenty of things you have the people on the other end of that social feed wish they had.
Got cute kids? Own your own home? Rockin’ a gorgeous haircut and color? Just think of how jealous other people probably are of you. It might be petty, but it’s better than being miserable by comparison.
73. Live productively with your 16 waking hours a day.
“I don’t have time” is never a good excuse not to go after your dreams. Everyone, including the world’s celebrities and billionaires, gets the same number of hours in a day as everyone else. Sure, you need to sleep for about 8 of them. You might have to spend a big chunk of them working a full-time job, preparing and eating meals, and caring for your children.
But there are always pockets of time that can be used more wisely than you’re using them right now. Find them, and put them to work! The 20 minutes in the morning you spend “waking up” while drinking your coffee? Read a chapter in a book while you read. Have an hour commute each way to work? Listen to inspirational podcasts or educational audiobooks. If you want to change your life – and maybe change the world – you have to put the work in.
74. Keep yourself in nice sneakers.
Not all New Year resolution ideas have to require a lot of effort all year long. Shoes may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it’s amazing what a comfortable shoe can do for you! If you’re interested in exercising, you’re more likely to keep up a new routine if your feet (and knees) aren’t killing you at the end of every workout.
Comfy shoes can also make vacations (especially to Disney parks) more pleasurable, keep you motivated to get all of your errands done in one day, and improve how your entire body feels on a regular basis. They are truly life-changing!
I have hallux valgus in both of my feet, which means I require a very wide shoe. Most of my life has been spent in discomfort because I’ve never allowed myself to spend money on the kinds of shoes I need. A couple of years ago, I ordered myself a pair of wide width Brooks Women’s Ghost shoes – without even trying them on – and I will never buy a different sneaker for the rest of my life. I am happy when on my feet now, and it makes a world of difference.
75. Make a cleaning schedule.
When I get a little behind on cleaning my house, my anxiety takes over and it just gets worse and worse because I don’t know where to begin. Keeping a “schedule” has been a game-changer, allowing me to survey what needs to be done and start ticking things off my list.
You can create a cleaning schedule a number of ways. Creating daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks is one option. You can break down your chores into 5-minute tasks and do what you can, when you can, each day.
For myself, I’ve created a reference list of about 30 tasks that, if all completed, will render my house virtually perfect. Each task can take anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours. It’s not spring cleaning-specific, but it includes things like “vacuum kids’ rooms” and “clean basement sink and tub.” I’ve arranged them in an order based on three things:
- How often they’re likely to need doing,
- How long they take to complete, and
- How important they are to get done.
Each day that I have some time to spend cleaning, I start at the top of the list and work on tasks until I’m out of time. If I just did the top two tasks yesterday (and they don’t need to be done again today), I move down the list to things I haven’t done lately. “Pick up toys upstairs” is top of the list, because if I don’t do it frequently my living spaces will become a disaster. “Dust upstairs” is third on the list, because I don’t want it to get too dusty in our bedrooms and living room, but I’m often able to skip over this one in favor of other tasks.
I like this method because there is no actual schedule, so I can’t technically fall behind. If I have a week where I’m sick and can’t get out of bed to clean, I don’t have to redo an entire month’s schedule – I just start back at the top and work my way down.
Create a routine this year that works for YOU. It may take some trial and error to find something you can stick to, but once you do, you’ll have a lot more pride in the state of your home.
76. Join a regularly scheduled fitness class.
There are obvious reasons to sign up for a fitness class, like physical health. Whether it’s yoga, kickboxing, or spin class, having something already on the calendar helps you stay committed (and may even give you something to look forward to each week).
Another perk you may not have considered: it’s an opportunity to make new friends with similar interests. If you join a class where no one seems to talk to each other, try to break the ice. If no one seems interested in socializing, sign up for a different class! Vibe is everything when it comes to fitness, and being surrounded by people you like and enjoy working out with can make a big difference.
77. Practice being more confident.
This is easier said than done when you’re an introvert, I know. But confidence is an intangible factor in a lot of your success in life, from getting job promotions to attracting potential partners. If confidence doesn’t come naturally to you, learn it the old-fashioned way: Fake it till you make it!
Practice confidence throughout the year on strangers you meet. Flirt with someone at a bar. Make a point to befriend and coach new hires at your place of employment. Once you realize you can exude confidence to new people in your life, you’ll be able to start translating it to the relationships you already have.
78. Put out pictures of your family.
You may be of the opinion that families who put pictures all over the walls of themselves are vapid or fake, but that’s not true! Having portraits around the house can actually boost your self-esteem and sense of security, particularly in children. It sends the message that you value your family and the memories you make together, too.
Throughout the year, find space on the walls of every room to put a frame or two, and update them with new prints as you take pictures you love.
79. Read more books.
Another typical New Year’s resolution, book-reading always seems to fall into the category of things we think make us better people, but don’t put enough stock into to actually do it. After all, can’t you finish a story faster by watching a video of it?
The thing is, reading books has a ton of health benefits that warrant putting more effort into keeping this New Year’s resolution. A better vocabulary, better sleep, and even a longer lifespan are on the table with this habit. Start your resolution with one book a month – and if you find yourself devouring the written word faster than you expected, bump it up to one a week.
80. Put your shopping carts back in the corrals.
This funny, realistic New Year’s resolution idea has more power behind it than you think. This simple act of putting something away can make life easier on the employee responsible for taking carts back in the store. It could make the difference in whether or not someone’s day is ruined by a stray cart slamming into their car on a windy day.
Resolving to always put your shopping carts in a corral means you’re vowing not to only think of yourself, but others as well. It’s a practice in empathy, community, and teamwork. Give it a go, and see how it makes you feel.
81. Practice speed cleaning for 5 minutes a day.
As a mother of two who formerly worked a full-time job, commuted two hours a day, and also tried to build up her own business at the same time, I understand how easy it is to let cleaning fall by the wayside. Even when there is a bit of time to do it, you’re exhausted!
Speed cleaning is almost like a magic cure for an overwhelming problem. By literally setting a timer on how long you spend picking up toys, wiping down counters, or folding clothes, you will get more done in 5 minutes than you would in 5 minutes of a “cleaning day.” Knowing there is a deadline will have you zipping around the house getting it done, FAST.
When the timer goes off, it’s time to rest! It’s okay if it didn’t all get done. The most important stuff probably did, and it looks better than if you hadn’t spent those measly five minutes cleaning. This method is a way to ditch the overwhelm and just get something, anything done. And if you find yourself wanting to keep going after the 5 minutes are up – well, you’ve just tricked yourself into getting work done when you didn’t feel like it.
82. Stop taking your relationships for granted.
I’m not just talking about your relationship with your partner. I’m talking about your kids, siblings, parents, grandparents, friends… It’s wonderful if you “know” they love you and they “know” you love them, but nurturing a relationship requires more real effort than that.
Make a conscious effort this year to spend more time with people you don’t see very often, as well as to focus more during the time you spend with your partner and children. Call up your aunt you haven’t seen in over a year and invite her out to lunch. Start up a monthly game night with your closest friends.
Life is literally pointless without having others to spend it with, and we all need someone we can count on. Just make sure your friends and family know you value them all year long, not just when you have a “reason” to contact them.
83. Take an unplanned road trip somewhere new.
When was the last time you went anywhere without an itinerary? When was the last time you went somewhere you’ve never been before? 2024 is the year to do both at once! Pick a city you’ve never been to before – big or small. Make sure there’s a place to stay (hotel, Air BnB, campsite), and end your planning there. Just GO!
There’s so much we can miss out on by overplanning our vacations. Doing all the things everyone else does doesn’t leave much room for exploring and finding something new. With a full tank of gas and Maps on your phone, go with your gut and see where the road takes you.
84. Record one second of your life every day.
I don’t mean videos of your kids playing, though that may feature in the background. Take a one-second selfie video of YOU as the star – with whatever’s happening in your life each day as part of the scenery behind you. At the end of the year, edit all the clips together and you’ll have a 6-minute video filled to the brim with memory snapshots and a moving portrait of how you’ve changed.
85. Write all of your favorite recipes down and keep them together.
Of all the New Year resolution ideas, this is one of the most useful and practical (for many years to come). Good recipes are everywhere: a cookbook here or there, near the end of magazines, all over the internet. It’s easy to forget where to look for one you like, or forget you even loved it because you never come across it again!
This year, take every recipe you find and keep it in a centralized location. I recommend writing them on index cards that are kept alphabetized in an index card box! That way you can put your cookbooks out of the way until you’re ready to look for something new, and you don’t have to hunt everywhere for one that you want. You’ll be much more likely to cook instead of getting frustrated and ordering takeout, too.
86. Learn self-defense.
The unfortunate truth is there will never be a time without predators (or just plain ol’ people with bad intentions). And you’ve probably always meant to learn self-defense, you just never got around to it. Well, 2024 is the year! Look up classes in your area. Even if it’s not strictly self-defense, learning martial arts or kickboxing counts, too.
Not only will you be able to defend yourself against your attacker, you’ll have increased strength and confidence. Even if you never have to protect yourself, these are bonuses you will enjoy on a daily basis.
87. Get a new wardrobe for the body you have right now.
Don’t wait to update a tired closet until you get your new body, and don’t shop for the body you hope to have by the end of the year. Body acceptance is an important part of loving and living your life TODAY! Add a few pieces to your wardrobe each month, and choose them carefully. If they don’t fit perfectly, don’t buy it. If you put it on at home and don’t love it like you did in the store, return it!
This is your chance to develop a sense of fashion and purposefully choose your style. You don’t have to wait until your dress size is a single digit to dress well or spend the money for quality clothing. Boost your self-esteem and feel comfortable every day in the body you have right now.
88. Give yourself compliments and treat yourself – regularly.
There are two things moms tend to be really bad at: taking compliments, and putting themselves first. These things are pretty important for maintaining your mental health, so start putting them into practice. Every morning in 2024, look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment. It can be about your appearance, your personality, your thoughtfulness… Whatever makes you feel good about yourself!
In addition to that, set aside both time and money to take care of YOU. Take a hot bubble bath once a week, or save up to buy the branded purse you’ve been longing for. Constantly depriving yourself for the sake of your kids, partner, or friends and family isn’t healthy – and the fact is that your desire to do that is exactly why you deserve to reward yourself.
89. Craft something instead of buying it.
Be forewarned: DIY is addictive! But the sense of pride that comes with physically creating a piece of furniture, art, or decor yourself is second to none.
Need a new hanger for the front door? Make it. Want a specific t-shirt you can’t find online? Learn to do it yourself. Trying to find a gift your mom will really love? Create something from the heart.
I’m not going to tell you you’ll save money by making things – craft supplies are expensive! But knowing you did it yourself is priceless.
90. Drink more water.
I bet you’ve started this New Year resolution idea before. January 1st, it’s nothing but H2O going in your body. Then, you allow yourself a little lemonade. And tea… and coffee… and soda.
Instead of vowing to cut out all other drinks, just make a commitment to drink more water. Resolve to hit your goal of 8 glasses (four water bottles) a day before you allow yourself a can of soda. Your skin, cognitive abilities, and kidneys will thank you for it!
91. Be more romantic with your partner.
Long relationships filled with children and responsibilities often mean romance literally dies. Sure, you love each other (and still say it), you still get intimate, you still get each other gifts on your anniversary. But what about that spontaneous spark? It is possible to get it back with a reset on your thinking and a little effort.
Schedule monthly (if not weekly) date nights. Send naughty texts, put notes in each others’ lunches, and grab your partner when no one is looking.
92. Learn a new language.
Being able to both read and speak a new language as an adult can be truly taxing, and many people give up after a feeble initial try. But make a resolution to stick to it this year! Get Rosetta Stone, or just put your everyday phrases into Google translate until you have them down pat.
But what language should you learn? You could try something practical like Spanish. Or you could choose a place in the world you’d love to visit and learn their national language. Once you become fluent, reward yourself with a trip there!
93. Take care of a plant.
Seems simple enough, right? (Tell that to my poor peace lily.) You just water it, put it in the right amount of sunlight, and occasionally give it some fresh soil. But there are a lot of surprising benefits to caring for a plant!
Plants can improve your mental health and immune system, increase productivity, and improve your air quality. Keeping one in your bedroom throughout the winter can help keep humidity higher, preventing your skin from drying out.
In general, keeping a plant alive can give a little boost to your sense of pride and achievement, whether you realize it or not. So adopt a new green friend and make a New Year’s resolution to keep it alive all year (and beyond).
94. Make your bed every day.
I struggle with this one a lot – but there’s no denying I love the way having a made-up bed makes me feel. I walk through my bedroom at least half a dozen times a day, and walking past a neat-looking, decorated bed is very soothing to my anxiety. And in the evening, having my sheets straight and smooth waiting for me to slip into them is absolute bliss. I literally fall asleep faster!
Resolving to make your bed doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore every morning. If you don’t have the time or will to put a dozen pillows back into place every day, get rid of them! Just flip your pillow, smooth out your sheet, and pull up the comforter so it’s straight and smooth. You’ll be happy you did.
95. Surround yourself with good smells.
Our sense of smell is truly amazing. Of course, it lets us know if something we’re about to eat is likely to be tasty or if the person next to us had beans last night for dinner. But smell is also tightly associated with memories, and they can even have healing powers.
Whether you diffuse essential oils, light candles, or spray perfumes and home fragrances, keep a stash of smell-goods in your home. You may find yourself more productive, relaxed, or even in less pain!
96. Listen to audiobooks instead of music (sometimes).
This is a great New Year resolution idea for parents who work full-time. You likely don’t have enough time for reading anymore. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy books anymore! During your commute to and from work, you can try listening to audiobooks instead of your usual playlist. You can even listen to them during workouts or while taking showers!
Do a search for available audiobooks out there – almost every title has been recorded these days, so you’re not limited in what you can listen to. And if you become addicted to audiobooks (and you will!), you’ll find that you’ve “read” more books by the end of 2024 than you have in the last 10 years!
97. Try new restaurants instead of the same old thing.
I know that the familiar is comfortable, especially as it relates to eating food we enjoy. And it’s important to support restaurants you like on a regular basis to help ensure they stay open. But broadening your horizons, including in the foods you eat, can help stimulate your brain and further your personal growth.
New restaurants in particular really need your patronage if they stand a chance of staying open. And how do you know you don’t like it if you’ve never tried it? This year, check out the restaurants in town you’ve never been to before. You just might find a new favorite dish!
98. Start yoga – and convince your partner to join you.
When yoga became popular in the United States, a lot of people thought it was a fad that would go the way of Tae Bo or 80s-style aerobicizing. But it’s still going strong, and likely here to stay – largely due to the many, many health benefits it provides, as well as its many skill levels (anyone can start it).
Give this “trend” a go and stick with it at least once a week throughout the year. You’ll have more flexibility and strength, reduced stress, and better sleep. And if you can convince your partner to do it with you, you’ll have a new experience to bond over as well as someone to help keep you accountable in your routine.
99. Learn to do more things for yourself.
Does your mom still sew the holes in your clothes? Is your partner the only one who knows how to change a tire or fix the garage door when it gets stuck? Make this the year you learn how to do all of those things!
Being self-sufficient is important for self-esteem. Plus, you never know when someone won’t be there to do those things for you anymore. It’s easier to learn new skills from the people you care about than trying to follow a YouTube video or instructions in a book, so absorb everything you can from the smart people around you.
100. Send thank-you cards for everything.
Thank-you cards aren’t exclusive to post-wedding and -baby shower gifts. You can send them all the time: to your neighbor for bringing your trash can up last week, to your doctor for setting a broken bone, or to your hair stylist for getting your look just right.
These little acts of kindness aren’t just for the recipients’ benefits, either (though it will surely brighten their day and give them a long-term boost of happiness). Giving thanks and knowing you’re making someone else smile will also make YOU happy. Who know a little card with some handwriting could do so much?
If looking at these New Year resolution ideas has led you to decide on NO New Year resolution, that’s perfectly fine! You don’t have to make a big fuss at the start of the year in order to make your life better in the months to come.
Before you go, you might be interested in my inspirational bucket list ideas, too.
