Resolutions that might not instantly end up on the scrap heap.
Asides from being the season of festive merriment, December is almost the month of bold declarations in the form of the new years resolution.
The typical NYR ranges in severity from a pledge to start going to the gym every single day to spending more time with family and friends.
However most of the time, by mid January the resolution is sitting on the scrapheap.
If you're prone to making bold declarations that often fall through, maybe 2020 is the year to try some more achievable resolutions.
So with that in mind, here are five resolutions that can make a big impact on your life, without asking you to make sweeping wholesale changes.
1. Turn your phone off more often.
Phones are a necessity in the modern world, so it's unreasonable to think they can be switched off for too long.
But if you're someone who's prone to checking work emails outside of working hours, maybe it's time to hit the power button.
Actually chatting and laughing with family and friends in person for an hour or so is probably better than just shoving countless memes into their faces.
And yes we are aware of the irony that you're probably currently reading this article on your phone.
2. Be more charitable.
There are so many good reasons to give to charity.
Aside from greatly benefiting someone else, a study from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Tennessee found that charitable givers experience reduced rates of stress and lower blood pressure compared to those who do not give.
It's good to give.
3. Give Dry January a shake.
Dry January is becoming increasingly popular and it's easy to see why.
Many of us overindulge with alcohol over the Christmas holiday period as we catch up with people we rarely see during the year.
Studies have shown that excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to several negative health effects, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D., told SELF. “Excessive drinking also impairs your sleeping patterns and increases the risk for certain diseases, including breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and liver problems”.
4. Spend more time outside (weather permitting).
Humans were not made to be cooped up inside all day.
Spending time in nature makes you happier, it boosts your immune system, and it even makes you more creative.
Resolve that next year you’ll be spending more time outside (whenever it's not raining).
5. Learn something new.
Setting yourself new goals and challenges, not only makes you realise how rich life can be but keeps your brain young.
Have you tried learning a new language? Or maybe a cooking course? Or an instrument?
It's never too late to learn something new.
