The new year is finally here, which can only mean one thing; it’s time to make New Year’s resolutions, and keep them. However, this is much easier said than done. January is a blank slate, a perfect time to start integrating better habits, making plans and hold yourself to new standards of living. As the year goes on, it can become difficult to maintain your resolutions, and many people tend to give up as the chaos of life takes over. We want to help you change that! Many people struggle with New Year's resolutions because the goals are too specific, or they are trying to achieve too many goals at once. Zebra compiled a list of ten attainable New Year's resolutions that will help you stay focused, organized, and of course, “zen” all year long!
- Organize
If you find yourself forgetting plans or overbooking yourself, this might be a good goal for you! Get yourself a daily planner and/or desk calendar to hold yourself accountable for the plans you make and the appointments you have throughout the year. Pick up some fun pens to color code your planner, like Sarasa Fineliners, Sarasa Gel Retractable pens, and of course some Zebrite highlighters. Jot down notes or reminders throughout the day to help better organize your schedule and manage your time.
- Make Healthier Choices
Rather than setting a goal pertaining to a specific number, for example, "lose 30 lbs. by June," make your resolution broader by aiming to make healthier choices this year. When you go out for a meal, choose the salad, buy whole wheat bread instead of white, and replace soda with water! Know that you are making strides towards your goal with every healthy choice you make rather than by the number on a scale.
- Integrate Exercise
Instead of telling yourself that you will work out every morning or every night, which may not be possible when working a full-time job, make your resolution to integrate exercise into your life. Whether it is walking your dog, doing yoga on the weekends, or running three times a week, a little bit is better than nothing and reaching a realistic goal will encourage you to set the bar higher in the future!
- Unplug More
This New Year, vow to put your phone down more often. Leave your phone at home when you go out with your family or start a game where everyone puts their phone in the center of the table and first one to grab theirs loses. Encourage more face-to-face conversations and give yourself some time away from your cell phone. Disconnect to connect this year!
- Reach Out to Distant Friends or Family
Remember your elders or those who have made an impact on your life. This year, instead of just thinking about them, reach out to them! Handwrite them a card or letter explaining a memory you have with them or updating them on your family. Who knows, maybe it will start a pen-pal chain and you can look forward to receiving a response each week!
- Be More Thankful
When the stress of work and life take over, put things in perspective by cherishing life’s moments, and remembering all the things to be thankful for. Create a chart or journal where you can write something your thankful for every so often. Look back on your chart when you're feeling down, stressed or defeated, and remember to not sweat the small stuff.
- Read More
If you enjoy reading and can't seem to find the time, set a goal this year to make time to read. Even if it's just for a half hour each night, on your lunch break or even on the train, grab a book you might enjoy and read it! Enjoy quiet time with a book, and indulge in the relaxation reading can provide.
- Take More Pictures
If you're someone who prefers to be behind the lens rather than in front of it, make your resolution to take more pictures this year! If the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day, snap a picture so you can remember it. At the end of the year, you can print out your favorites and compile them into a photo album or scrapbook to share with your friends or family.
- Smile at Strangers More
A simple resolution like this can not only make you feel good, but will also make someone else feel good as well! In a digital world, it’s hard to feel connected to those around us. Instead of staring blankly at someone you cross paths with in a grocery store or department store, give them a smile and make their day a little better. After all, you never know what someone is going through and how much one smile can help.
- Cook a Homemade Meal Once a Week
Save money and work on your cooking skills by cooking more homemade meals! If you're a single person, cooking a meal once a week may go a long way. If you have leftovers, you might have just made yourself lunch for the following day or dinner for a different night that week! Whether it's just for yourself or for a family, cooking a homemade meal can be healthier and more fun than ordering takeout or dining out all the time! It's important to remember that no matter how big or small your resolution might be, it should be something that you can stick to! Zebra hopes that you not only create a resolution this year, but that you stick to it, even if it's as simple as smiling at a stranger.
