5 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep

It’s 2016 ya’ll! Another year is upon us, which naturally means this will be our #bestyearyet. A new year is a great opportunity to take stock of your life and think about new goals and aspirations for the coming year, but before you jump on the 2016 bandwagon and pen long lists of resolutions and milestones that might not be realistic, consider some goals that are both challenging and achievable for the next 365 days. Here are five New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep that will better your life:
Be kind to yourself: Believe it or not, this isn’t a given for most people. We all have a tendency to be our worst critic. We judge our own bodies, our achievements, our outfits, and how our hair falls. Instead of constantly critiquing and trying to wish away all the things you’d like to change about yourself, celebrate all the things you love about you. In 2016, generate more self confidence by loving who you are unconditionally. The affects of loving who you are inside and out will be felt in all the pockets of your life.
Be kind to people around you: Contrary to the beliefs of Internet trolls, there is zero benefit to bringing anyone down. Insults, rude comments, or condescending remarks just bring ugly stuff like hate and negativity into your life. F that! This year, be good and kind to family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and even strangers. Try to make someone’s day by being generous with compliments, a friendly smile, or a great tip to a server that’s working hard.
Get more sleep: Your parents and your doctor will tell you that sleep is so important to your quality of life and it’s true! This year, choose to go home a little earlier, or stay in a few nights a week so you can get a proper night’s sleep. If you’re cramming for a test or procrastinating on getting a paper done, remember that sleep will help you function better, feel better, and look better.
Try harder: Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds this year and find your dream job and learn how to salsa dance and learn to knit and find the perfect guy, get back to basics and just commit to trying harder. Should you try and achieve all of your goals? Of course, but don’t kill yourself trying to handle too much all at once. Resolve to try harder in all aspects of your life. That commitment to extra effort and pushing towards having your dream life will reap rewards without the pressure of failing against an unrealistic laundry list of resolutions.
Eat mindfully: Weight loss goals are always at the top of most resolutions lists. If this tends to be an annual resolution for you that falls off by the end of January, try resolving to eat mindfully instead. Don’t limit yourself to only eating vegetables, but commit to thinking about what you eat and what you’re feeding your body. When you’re dining out, choose lighter options and when you’re grocery shopping try to gravitate towards options you know are healthy. It’s ok to have cheat meals, but if you’re constantly mindful of what you’re consuming and your portion sizes, you’ll start to adopt better habits that are sustainable.