New Year Resolutions for 2017
After we have decked our halls with boughs and balls we have the new year celebration to look forward to. The new year is a time, not only for raging parties, but also a time to reflect back on the past year. A time when we can ask ourselves, “what did I do right and what mistakes did I make?”
Note: if you made it through the entire year without shuddering in disgrace, don’t blow it on new years eve.
It's time for a change
It’s time for a changeBefore the horns, whistles and fireworks blow, take time to discover what you want to change in 2017. It you simply can’t think of anything you need to work on then you are either perfect (narcissistic) or you may need to read the following list. Check out our list of top new year resolution ideas to help you get started.
Lose Weight
Most people are unsatisfied with their current weight, so use the new year as a starting point to finally drop those pesky pounds. Make a plan now (so you can gorge on as much fatty foods as possible before the new year hits) to change your eating habits. Start off 2017 by making a sincere effort to fill your cupboards and refrigerator with healthy foods. And don’t just buy the high fiber, no taste products, actually eat them. You will be surprised how quickly your taste buds get used to these new flavors and textures.
If you can’t bring yourself to choke back some of the healthier choices, try mixing up smoothies for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. These whipped-wonders can camouflage the taste of some of those less appealing health foods and add a great nutritional and diet-friendly boost to your meal plan.
Work out to work it off
Work out to work it offThe “E” Word
It’s only one letter off from what you may be thinking when I say “exercise.” This is one of those new year’s resolutions that many people “jump” into, than back right back out of. Exercise equipment and gym memberships are often purchased with great intentions, but soon become a mere memory or a space-hog. I personally have enough exercise apparatuses in my basement to start my own gym (hmmm…not a bad idea). When I bought the equipment they only told me it would “pay for itself by saving on gym fees” – I guess they assumed I would go to a gym or even use this stuff at some point. Although, the sale’s guy wasn’t wrong. I am saving money when I hang my wet clothes from them instead of using the dryer
Take Up a Hobby
If you have always wanted to try something new or start a hobby, 2017 is the time. If you like cooking, put away the KD and sign up for a class or even invest in some good cookbooks. If you have a musical note in your heart, take up singing or an instrument. It doesn’t matter if you end up great or making the neighborhood cringe every time you practice, you will be broadening your horizons. Perhaps, you may even meet some new people when they come over to investigate the smoke or frightening noises pouring out of your home.
Clear the clutter to start anew
Clear the clutter to start anewStop Being Sloppy
Are you a natural-born slob? I am and I’m not afraid to admit it…there should be a self-help group out there. If you can follow in my messy footprints, then perhaps the new year is the time to change this habit.
Note; take it slowly to avoid going through the sloppy-room-withdrawals.
I have done this in the past and forced myself to do one clean-up project at a time. Start with a closet or dresser, then move on to bigger projects like kitchen cupboards or entire rooms. My hoarders paradise, I once called my craft room, is now neat and tidy and doubles as my office. It can be done! To make organization easier and a lot more fun, shop online, at your local thrift stores, or retailers to find unique storage containers. These will not only clear the clutter, but they can add a nice touch to your decor.
Break Nasty Habits
My last new years resolution idea is perhaps the hardest for a lot of people. Breaking destructive or unhealthy habits can be a struggle, but not impossible. If you smoke, drink and curse too much, then stay away from bars and truck stops (or the in-laws) where this sort of behavior will rear its ugly head. Sometimes getting away from the situations or people that bring out these habits is a great start in the right direction. Take time to refocus your energy into positive habits. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to seek it through professional channels.
Bringing in the new year isn’t all about the parties, it can be a time of renewing and refreshing your entire outlook, body and life. Make your own new year’s resolutions this coming year and stick with them. And if you mess up, don’t give up. Just refocus and get back on the resolution roller coaster. It can be well worth the ride…