Are You Still Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?

Celebrating the New Year has been in existence since antiquity. First observed in ancient Babylon approximately 4000 years ago, one popular New Year tradition has always been the making of resolutions. Here is a list of ten popular New Year’s resolutions – is yours on this list?

1. Lose Weight – Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes and cancer. It has been estimated that over sixty percent of adult Americans are either overweight or obese, and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. Take this time to address any weight gain you may have accumulated over the year by getting more exercise. Take brisk walks after dinner, invest in a gym membership, or even look to purchasing home fitness equipment to win the battle of the bulge.
2. Improve Your Diet – Adequate physical activity and a proper diet are an unbeatable team when it comes to losing weight. While a complete diet overhaul may seem unnerving (and unrealistic) to many, small changes such as a reduction in portion sizes, choosing low-fat and high fiber foods, and drinking more water can be a start. Also look to eating out less and invest a Sunday or two a month in planning weekday menus. Instead of grabbing fast food during your lunch break, prepare your meals in advance, and perhaps invest in a small freezer to help you keep healthy choices handy.
3. Save Money – Money is oftentimes a big source of stress for many people. If putting aside money is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, resolve to get a handle on your finances by eliminating frivolous spending, setting a savings goal, and seeing where you can trim your expenses. Even small changes such as eating at home more often and turning down your thermostat a degree or two can yield significant savings over a few months time.
4. Get Out of Debt – If you have had past problems with debt, make some financial changes this year to help pave down that credit card balance and keep creditors at bay. Develop a budget, contact your creditors, and even consider credit counseling or debt consolidation from a reputable organization. Staying on track when it comes to your finances will repay itself many times over in the year ahead – particularly if you’re looking to finance a home or automobile.
5. Quit Smoking – Tobacco-related diseases are some of the biggest killers in the world today and are cited as one of the biggest causes of premature death in industrial countries. If you are hoping to stamp out your smoking habit this year, look to over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the habit.
6. Get Organized – Whether it’s organizing the home or cleaning up the office, organization is a goal that can be found on many New Year’s resolution lists. Fortunately, getting organized is simply a matter of developing good habits. Start small and survey your belongs: examine what you have, whether you need it, and how to store it. If your life is way too cluttered and you’re not sure where to start, hire a professional organizer to help you find peace in your home.
7. Volunteer – The holiday season often brings thoughts of giving back. Whether you choose to mentor a child, participate in a Breast Cancer Walk, or help out at your local library, nonprofit organizations can surely use your assistance. If you’re short on time, also consider donating clothes or furniture that you no longer need, or even contribute a cash donation to a charity.
8. Reduce Stress – Given the hectic lifestyles of millions of Americans, stress reduction has become a popular resolution. Try a new hobby, go to a theater performance, or treat yourself to a day at the spa. Stress can cause health problems such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue, or make problems worse if they’re not dealt with.
9. Educate Yourself – Vowing to make this year the year to learn something new? Whether you’re looking to take a photography class, want to learn a new language, or are considering a career change, education is one of the easiest and most motivational resolutions to keep. Contact your local community center or community college to see what adult education programs are available to you.
10. Drink Less Alcohol – The New Year can be an incentive to get drinking under control, and if you have decided that you want to moderate your drinking, a world of help and support is available. Ask your doctor and perhaps try discussing treatment-based programs or support groups to start the year on a healthy and happy note.