New Year’s Day, the traditional time to turn over a new leaf, is less than a month away. Don’t fret—there is still plenty of time to make your 2018 New Year’s resolution.
A recent cruise through the Internet reveals some popular resolutions:
- Save money now. There are plenty of options available, like getting a temporary part-time job, selling photos online, having a garage sale, or working as a freelancer.
- Save for the future. Does your employer offer a 401(k) retirement plan? Saving even a small fraction of your wages, say 2%, can make a huge difference when you’re ready to retire from your career. When you save toward retirement, you’ll reap tax benefits now.
- Get into shape. If you’re sedentary, physical activity can add years to your life. You don’t have to join an expensive gym to work exercise into your routine. Consider taking a walk during your lunch break every day. Or set aside an hour or two on your days off to do something fun, like learning to play tennis or taking a brisk walk with friends. If your company offers a wellness program for 2018, be sure to enroll and tap into any resources offered.
- Drink in moderation (or even quit drinking). Is that after-work glass of wine turning into a half bottle…or more? If you’re trying to lose a few pounds, consider the weight-related effects of cutting back. The average 12-ounce beer has about 150 calories, a shot has 100 calories, and cocktails can run into the hundreds of calories. Here are eight changes that can occur from reduced consumption. If drinking is interfering with your relationships, your job or your health, consider quitting.
- Chill out. Given the current political and social climate, it may be hard to see someone else’s point of view, especially if that viewpoint has triggered a heated argument. But fighting with family members, co-workers or the guy in line at the deli isn’t likely to change hearts and minds. And frequent bouts of anger could lead to long-term problems. Here are seven good reasons to let go of resentments.
Whatever you choose for your resolution, remember this: You can change your life for the better. Just be sure to set realistic goals, like focusing on one thing that’s important to you, then taking small steps to achieve it. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season and we’ll see you back here in January 2018.
Source: lifehack.org; National Institutes of Health; Prevention
Lifelong poetic justice license-holder. Unapologetic cat lover. A former newspaper editor and co-founder of HealthDiscovery.org, Ellen was the Director of Corporate Communications for national employee benefits broker Corporate Synergies before retiring in 2020. She developed corporate messaging, oversaw media relations, and wrote and edited articles for the company’s blog, The Knowledge Center.