Dec 8, 2021

New Year’s Resolutions That Aren’t About Weight Loss

The end of 2021 is approaching, and you might have started thinking of some New Year’s resolutions for 2022…

As difficult as it may be, let’s all try to get over the outdated idea that our weight and image are the first thing we should strive to fix in the new year.

The topic of weight loss can be a sensitive one for many, and having a goal of losing weight can sometimes result in unhealthy ways to achieve that goal.

We should want to create healthier, better, and more comforting lifestyle goals for ourselves.

That being said, here are some New Year’s resolutions that aren’t about weight loss:

1. Regulate Your Sleep Schedule

Many people struggle with maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Whether it be because of the pandemic, a mental health struggle, simple bad habits, or your own laziness, having a healthy sleep schedule can change your lifestyle.

Trying to go to sleep at a certain time, and setting an alarm for when you want to get up can help you achieve this goal. Start off with a realistic expectation based on your own sleep schedule, and try to work toward a goal slowly.

2. Prioritize Your Mental Health

Mental health is something we should all care for year-round. If 2021 wasn’t your year, that is okay! A new year awaits you, full of new opportunities and experiences. There are options and ways to care for your mental health better than you may have in the past.

Looking for a therapist, doing small activities that make you happy, distancing yourself from harmful behavior and habits, and wanting to continue to get better are just some of the things you can do to care for your mental health.

3. Read More

In this day and age, it’s hard to keep up with reading books, magazines, and print texts overall. Reading more is a simple, manageable, and benefiting goal you can set to complete in the new year.

Try out new genres, or just try to start with reading one book in one month, and see if you can work your way up!

4. Try a New Hobby

There are so many things we don’t know out there. Sometimes our lives get mundane and repetitive. It’s important to give your life some spice every once in a while.

Don’t be afraid to try new things, see new places, and meet new people. Afterall, everything we’ve learned to love was once something we didn't know!

5. Spend More Time With Loved Ones

If 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it would be to appreciate time with our families and friends more. We are blessed to have made it this far, and we should strive to spend more time with those we love.

Times are tough, and most people struggle with something you don’t know. Call your grandparents, text your aunts and uncles, and hang out with your friends. Life is short, and we sometimes take it for granted.

6. Try to Improve Your Physical Health

Not to be confused with weight loss, our physical health is still incredibly important. A healthy body is a happy body. There is no image or size that identifies with good health.

Go for a walk sometimes instead of sitting on your phone mindlessly. Schedule a yearly check-up at the doctor. Take the stairs once in a while. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. And, of course, take care of your mental health.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! Work towards these goals with small, realistic steps. Prioritize yourself in this new year, and be proud of how far you’ve come!