By Kate Harveston | Posted: January 20, 2020
The new year is here, meaning it's time to set a resolution. Are you looking for something other than "lose 10 pounds" or "run a 5K?" Good for you! While it's beneficial to improve your health, far too many women focus their intentions on their weight, which is only one small indicator of true wellness. There's more to life than the number on the scale!
Take charge of your life in 2020 with one of these resolutions. You won't have to count calories or join a gym. However, you will remember the coming year as one that improved your well-being significantly.
1. Reduce your carbon footprint
In case you forgot, large parts of the Amazon rainforest and Australia remain ablaze. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, resolve to eat less red meat in the new year. Cattle release methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to warming. Additionally, raising cows for beef uses arable land that could otherwise grow food for humans.
Also, strengthen your commitment to recycling. When you go to the store, seek products with the least amount of packaging, and bring reusable bags with you instead of opting for plastic.
2. Learn how to meditate
Mindfulness meditation is like therapy you can perform at home. It allows you to become fully present in the moment and shut out overthinking. Commit to at least five to ten minutes daily to focus on you: here’s how to get started!
3. Reach out more often
Do you tend to isolate yourself when you're feeling depressed or anxious? If so, you could create a vicious cycle of negative thoughts. It's easy for, "I'm feeling lonely," to morph into, "I have no friends," when it's been weeks since you've met an acquaintance for a cup of tea. This year, resolve to phone your best friend regularly. You'll both appreciate the attitude adjustment and the vent time!
4. Improve your bottom line
If you lie awake at night worrying over your finances, why not get your books in order in the new year? If you don't have a retirement fund, or you drained it during periods of economic downturns, take advantage of tax law changes to contribution limits.
If your disposable income barely covers your rent and utilities, find a side hustle you can transform into a residual income stream. You can't control the economy, but you can use coupon apps and phone your car insurance company about potential discounts.
5. Drop a bad habit
Another great resolution is to drop something that’s no longer serving you well. For example, are you still smoking or vaping? If so, resolve to kick the habit in the new year. Smoking damages your lungs and limits your mouth's ability to fight off infection, rolling out the welcome mat for bacteria to enter your body.
Another habit for you to drop like a hot rock? Apologizing for things that aren't your fault. Women tend to react with, "I'm sorry," when all they've done is act human. Instead of saying, "I'm so sorry I'm late — traffic was a mess," practice, "Thank you for waiting for me." This statement takes back your power while conveying gratitude to the person you've inconvenienced.
6. Set a new career goal
Where do you see yourself in five years? No, this article isn't a job interview, but far too many people drift through their workdays with no clear direction. As long as they bring in a paycheck, they're content. If you want more, resolve to do what it takes to reach the corner office. Alternately, if waking up for work each day leaves you hollow, dust off your resume.
7. Cross an item off of your bucket list
Few people sit on their deathbeds and say, "I wish I wouldn't have done X." Life is about embracing new adventures, not fleeing from them. If you've always wondered how planes stay aloft, make this the year you book a flight lesson. Maybe you've dreamed of starting a YouTube cooking channel. Break out the video app on your cellphone! Dream of becoming a yoga teacher? There’s no better time than the present!
8. Strengthen your relationships
Is your intimacy lagging — or nonexistent? It's easy to forget those closest to you when life grows hectic. This year, resolve to spend more time with the people you care about the most. Bring back the family dinner hour, or at least 20 minutes. Make a weekly date with your significant other — and honor it.
9. Volunteer
What have you done to give back to your community? It is an election year, so if you have a passion for politics, sign up to phone bank or canvas for a candidate you support. If donkeys and elephants aren't your jam, four-legged friends of other species could use help, too. You can sign up to walk dogs for a local Humane Society or socialize kitties.
Make a resolution to live your best life this coming year
Who says you have to decide to change your body to create a meaningful difference in the new year? Instead of gratifying your ego, feed your soul with a few alternative resolutions.
Kate Harveston writes about wellness and mental health. If you enjoy her work, you can visit her women’s health blog, So Well, So Woman. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
