Make Better Resolutions this New Year

December 28, 2016

New Year’s resolutions are most often easier said than done. Start off the new year with more practical resolutions. For long term success, start off slow but always keep an action plan in mind. You may have heard that the best types of goals are SMART goals. Here, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. This means that instead of saying I want to go to the gym more often, you have to be SMART.

S: I will go to the gym 2-3 times a week
M: a full gym session is one hour including weights and cardio
A: There is a convenient gym by my house (if not, maybe adjust this to say running around the neighborhood instead of gym)
R: 5 days a week is unrealistic for my schedule, so 2-3 will suffice
T: I want to achieve this goal within the first quarter of the new year and maintain throughout the year

Try applying the smart principles to your goals and check out PartyCheap’s resolutions for a healthier and more relaxing new year!

Start with small changes

Integrate activity

For most people, exercise is something people do “if they have time.” We have all come up with every excuse in the book. Instead of looking for more excuses, it's much easier to incorporate activity into your daily routine. While you are at work and standing in front of the elevator to take you to the third floor, try taking the steps. It may take a minute longer but you just added physical activity to your daily life. It’s that easy. Another easy way is to actually walk to the mailbox to get the mail instead of driving and leaning out the car window. Doing these small physical activities throughout the day may not seem like much but now we can afford to miss a day at the gym every now and then.

Get rid of clutter

Do you have that one chair or table where you just throw things and think it will get that later? And when you do get a chance to sit down, you look at that chair or table and think I should really put that stuff away. Well now is the time. You can alleviate your stress by clearing out the clutter in your home. Clean up your mess and it will give your life more positive energy. Now you can sit back and relax without all that clutter.

Unplug daily, seriously

You’ve got mail. Welcome to the 21st century where everything is at our fingertips. We are tuned in 24/7 and more stressed than ever before. Let's go back in time to before modern electronics and unplug. Take and hour, 5 hours or even a full day without your cell phone, email, computer, and games. It’s important to detox from media overload especially since it can increase your risk for depression, social anxiety, job burnout and even allergies. Trust PartyCheap, you will survive.

Embrace Generosity

As we have learned since we were little kids, it’s always better to give than to receive. But generosity doesn’t have to mean money, especially after the holiday season. Try holding the door for the person behind you or helping someone cross the street. It can take as little a 3 seconds to help another out. Making small gestures not only helps someone else us but it makes you feel good too. Donating time is another great way to help your community. Find a soup kitchen or charitable organization that needs volunteers. One day a month is enough to make a difference. Take some time out of your day to remind the world that there are truly great people out there.

Take a few leaps

What would a new year be without taking some risks? While not exactly a resolution, set some goals for yourself that will push yourself more than in the past. Here are a few suggestions from PartyCheap. Some of these aren’t even risky, they simply expand your horizons. Don’t feel like you have to do all of these, make sure to do more things that make you happy this year.