I feel like every year is always the same, I tell myself that I am going to go to the gym everyday or stop cursing so much. Well, I do neither. I stick to my same gym routine and the F-word seems to come out more often than most when I tell myself it’s off limits. Maybe you are just like me, you tell yourself that you are going to start the New Year fresh and end up falling off the wagon. It is nothing to beat yourself up about, we are human after all.

So this year, I thought of a few New Year’s resolutions that would not only be obtainable, but would also benefit my lifestyle. I feel like they are changes that will help not only my mind and body, but also the planet and people around me! I thought I would share these resolutions with you because they are worth trying in the new year.

Make a Difference this New Year

1. Meditate everyday: Mediating is a personal practice that not only calms your mind and breath, it also helps your body relax. It is the best way to de-stress and evaluate situations you may not have the answers to. Meditation focuses on the breath and increases endorphins, builds self-confidence and enhances the immune system.
2. Travel to a new place: It is time to step out of your comfort zone. Take a solo trip, grab a friend and adventure into the unknown. Traveling not only makes you a student of life, but gives you a direction of purpose. You become comfortable with the uncomfortable, okay with the unknown. Travel and meet new people, understand that there is a world out there bigger than you and me.
3. Start your day at 6 am: Waking up early is the best! Seriously, you have so much more time to do activities and take advantage of the day. Waking up at 6 am leads to being more productive, better eating habits and better health. So hit the pillow at 10 pm and you will have an amazing morning.
4. Journal: Sometimes it’s hard to think through your thoughts – writing them down helps. Journaling is another great way to clear your mind and think things through. It is also the perfect way to write down your experiences so you never forget.
5. Volunteer: Take time out of your day to serve at the local homeless shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the food bank, a woman’s health clinic. Helping people less fortunate than you is the best sense of giving.
6. Eat less meat and dairy/try going Vegetarian/Vegan: The mass production of meat in our society is disgusting. You can save hundreds of animals a year by simply eating less to no meat. Check out these calculators if you are interested in finding out how many animals you will save by going vegetarian or vegan. (This is number one on my list since I have been very lenient on my eating.) Not only will you save helpless animals, you will also boost your immune system, have clearer skin and maintain a healthy weight with fresh produce and vegetables.
7. Shop ethically: Along with mass production of food, our society has a problem with mass production of things. We want to constantly keep up with new fashion trends, products and appliances. But do you ever think about who is making these “things” and the conditions that they are in? Shopping second hand, free trade or reducing your shopping in general will not only help the environment, but it will also make you a better person. If you are interested in this, check out Vlogger, Kristen Leo. (We will be writing a piece on this later and the importance of ethically shopping and why sweat shops are bad.)
8. Reduce your waste/No plastic: Our environment needs help. The average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day. That is 1,569.5 lbs a year. That is insane. Reducing your waste will not only help prevent pollution, but save energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change and helps you save money. Buy local, seasonal products. Switch from plastic bags to canvas, stop purchasing plastic water bottles and buy a metal water bottle. If you have waste, find a way to re-use it. Save our planet.
9. Learn a new language: Open your mind and expand your knowledge. Learning a new language can help you connect with someone across the world, land your dream job or assist you on your travels.
10. Read a new book: We spend too much time on our electronics. Take a step back, brew yourself a nice cup of tea and cuddle up with a good book. You won’t regret it.