Some Resolutions Worth Making

So many of us make resolutions every New Year--but very few people feel like they really succeed in making the changes they had in mind. There are a lot of reasons people don't keep their resolutions, but one big reason is that they made the wrong ones to begin with! Is there a better approach?

A few years ago, New Scientist Magazine published ten great suggestions for things to start and stop. I'll share the first five in this post, and five more in the next. Each of these "start" options is based on current scientific research that indicates they are definitely worth doing. They are things you can do gradually, without a lot of time and extra expense. They are also things that will produce tangible benefits.

First on the list is "Embracing Nature." I wrote a post on this a while back, so take a look there for some hints. Basically--just getting outdoors is great for your mental and physical well-being, and even more so if you can be around trees, flowers, and real dirt. Check out parks and walking paths in your neighborhood, and take an occasional weekend to go further afield.

Next up is "Learning a New Language." This is great for the brain!! You can try a software program (check out some options here) or find out if there is a local group in your area that offers instruction along with social interaction. Alliance Francaise, for example, has chapters all over the country. But if languages aren't really your thing, New Scientist notes that learning a musical instrument offers many of the same brain benefits.

Third on the list is "Brightening Up Your Day"--which is actually easier to do than it sounds. Just turn on more lights and/or use brighter bulbs when you're indoors, and if you have sunshine outdoors during the winter months, take advantage of it. And fourth . . . New Scientist suggests "Cutting Back on Alcohol." While there's a lot of conflicting research on the risks and benefits of alcohol, there's almost certainly a value to drinking (at least) a bit less in 2019.

Finally, there's "Helping Others." Spending time as a volunteer provides a sense of satisfaction as well as positive social interaction--both of which contribute to overall well-being. So check out some options at VolunteerMatch. But if in-person volunteer work isn't a good fit, give to causes you care about and try to live mindfully every day.

So what should you stop doing according to New Scientist? Stay tuned for my next post!