Happy New Year! Let's talk about new year resolutions. Those little promises we make to ourselves to try to become better people in the coming year. I don't know about you, but I always struggle to make and keep my resolutions partly because I often get caught up in the excitement of a fresh start and set unrealistic goals for myself, which leads to losing motivation quickly. In this blog post, I would like to share some of the common resolutions people make in the hope that you might get some inspiration if you are like me and haven't made a resolution yet or are struggling to find a method to stick to your resolution.

Exercise regularly

One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to exercise more. And for good reason - regular exercise has countless benefits for both our physical and mental health. It can improve our energy levels, help us sleep better, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. When setting this resolution, be specific about how often you want to exercise and what types of activities you want to do. Maybe you want to join a gym and go three times a week, or maybe you prefer to go for a daily jog or take up a new sport. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule.

Eat a healthier diet

Another popular resolution is to improve our eating habits. Maybe you want to cut back on processed foods and sugary drinks, or maybe you want to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Whatever your goals may be, it's important to be realistic and make changes that are sustainable. Don't try to overhaul your entire diet overnight - instead, try making small changes gradually. Maybe you start by replacing one unhealthy snack with a healthier option each day, or by adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals.

Save money

Whether you're saving for a big purchase, an emergency fund, or retirement, resolving to save more money is a great goal. Start by creating a budget and tracking your spending to see where you can cut back. Maybe you can reduce your expenses by canceling subscriptions you don't use, cooking at home more often, or shopping around for the best deals. You could also consider increasing your income by taking on extra hours at work, selling items you no longer need, or starting a side hustle.

Quit a bad habit

We all have habits that we'd like to break, whether it's procrastination, smoking, or excessive scrolling on social media. Quitting a bad habit is no easy feat, but it's definitely possible with some dedication and perseverance. Start by identifying the triggers that lead to your bad habit, and come up with strategies to avoid or cope with them. Maybe you need to remove tempting items from your environment, or enlist the help of a friend or accountability partner. Remember, it's okay to slip up - just don't let it discourage you. Keep trying and you'll eventually break the habit.

Learn a new skill or hobby

Learning something new can be exciting and rewarding, and it's also a great way to boost your brainpower and keep your mind sharp. Maybe you've always wanted to learn a musical instrument, or maybe you're interested in trying your hand at painting or cooking. Whatever it is, make a plan to set aside dedicated time each week to practice and improve your skills. You might even consider signing up for a class or workshop to get more structured instruction.

I hope these tips are helpful as you think about your own resolutions for the new year. Remember, it's okay if you don't achieve all (or any) of your resolutions. The important thing is to make progress and strive for self-improvement. Here's to a happy and successful New Year!