New Year’s Resolutions … that Don’t Involve Fitness

The New Year is steadily approaching, now is a great time to set some resolutions for you and your family that don’t revolve around fitness!

1. Ban Bags
   Starting February 1, retailers will begin charging $0.10 per plastic bag, urging everyone to start either using paper bags or carrying our own reusable bags. While some of us are already using reusable bags, now is the time to get super serious about it. Put bags in your car or purse; create a new routine for your grocery hauls. We have one month, people. 

2. Find Your People
   As the kids get a little older and we begin to reclaim our social lives, the importance of community cannot be underestimated. Whether it’s a sailing club, singing in a chorus, a sip-and-paint group, or a hiking community, finding friends with shared interests opens doors to a life with much greater personal fulfillment.  

3. Make Nice with Your Least Favorite Space
   Everyone has that one area that suffers neglect. It could be your laundry room, or the backseat of your car. Maybe your garage is a death trap. If you tackle the space and get yourself organized early in the year, when you have the enthusiasm to make change, you’ll be able to reframe how you approach your least favorite chores. You’ll still have to fold laundry, but if the laundry room is your favorite place in the whole house, you’ll be more likely to do it. 

4. Consign your Closet
   You have fabulous taste. But if your wardrobe still trends toward pre-pandemic times, it’s time to clear out your closet. Luckily there are plenty of local consignment shops offering great returns (and stocking great steals, to allow you to update your own look). If you have luxury items, sites like www.therealreal.com can help you sell higher-priced goods for great returns. 

5. Reconnect with Family and Friends
   Social media is great for keeping us up to date on the lives of our loved ones, but when was the last time you reached out to your college roommate to see how they’re doing? How’s your childhood best friend? Your favorite aunt? Scheduling in time to call and check in will bring you the emotional peace of a good therapy session while also keeping you aware of the true feelings of those who mean so much to you. 

6. Get Money Smart
   It’s the #1 resolution for a reason. Whether it’s time to reach out to a financial advisor, or if you simply want to start building a rainy day savings account, getting on top of your spending doesn’t have to be stressful. Download a budget app, join an investment club, or sign up for an easy savings app. You’ll thank yourself when you find money you didn’t know you had. 

7. Improve Your Sleep
   While seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep are recommended, it’s very seldom that parents manage that “uninterrupted” bit. To improve your sleep habits, consider setting an earlier bedtime, update your sleep environment with fresh pillows and bed linens, and check your screens at the bedroom door. It’s absolutely time for that long winter’s nap.

8. Flex Your Purchase Power Responsibly
   Let’s all agree to leave fast fashion behind us and make 2024 all about shopping mindfully, buying items that will last longer than three spin cycles. Shopping locally and investing in sustainable fashion creates a wardrobe that aligns your values. 

9. Get Out of Dodge
   While it may seem like a pipe dream to take off backpacking in Europe, you don’t have to go far to reap the benefits of travel. From Annapolis, it’s possible to explore the mountains of Appalachia for a weekend, or get a hit of history (not to mention a cheesesteak) in downtown Philadelphia. Signing up for a travel website will keep you on top of all the deals, so you know when it’s most cost effective to hit Amsterdam or go on safari in Zimbabwe. Whatever you do to scratch that travel itch, the most important thing is to get your travel plans scheduled. So get that over quickly and then pack your bags!

10. Rethink Self Care
    By this, we definitely don’t mean to suggest that you skip your next manicure. That time is essential. But consider putting your mental health on the same level as your skincare. Schedule an appointment with a therapist; introduce healthy coping mechanisms; create time to be alone with just yourself. Even taking the time to put in your ear buds and listen to a podcast will help steer your day in a healthier direction.