New Year’s Resolutions That Won’t Stress You Out

I Really Want a Change

OK so you admit maybe the habits you formed in 2023 aren’t great, but you’re not off the deep end by any means! Making positive changes in your life does not mean setting such tight restrictions on yourself, that you can no longer enjoy it. You can in fact eat better without becoming a vegan, and you can spend less without going a full year not buying coffee. I think you see where I am going with this. Let’s get you back on track without the stress!

I am Looking to Spice Things Up

Did you bury yourself in work this year? Or do you already stress yourself out enough day to day because you’re a type A perfectionist? Contradictory to what you want to do, which is formulate a 50 step plan to “success” in 2024. This section is actually for you. You already have the drive to get where you need to go in 2024, lets focus on the you that wants to relax and let go. This section is for those of you who are looking for a Resolution that encourages you to have fun, treat yourself, and maybe even to try something a little adventurous.

I Just Want to Say I Have One

There’s no shame in just wanting to have something to say when everyone else is talking about their resolutions. Is it possible your work is making everyone say their resolution in a morning meeting, and that’s what brought you here? It’s also okay to think that New Year’s resolutions are total bullsh*t, I’ve been there. For us pessimists let’s find something wholesome to lighten the mood this year. You don’t want to make any big changes because all the food you eat is poison and you’re going to die anyways, that’s fine! You can still participate in silly holiday fun it’s actually not going to kill you.

Ah the crippling anxiety of looking back on your year and not seeing all the milestones you wanted to hit behind you. As my step mom would say, such is life. Meaning, GET USED TO IT, we all know by now that sh*t happens and sometimes there’s nothing we can do about it but keep going. I want you to think about what in your life is stressing you out. Use that to find something small you can do to help alleviate that stress. Remember you have TWELVE MONTHS this is not a race to change people.

Examples

• No drinking one week per month- I heard this from sipsandsnacks on tiktok and thought it was such a great idea. It adds up to three months of no drinking for the whole year! This is a great way to save some money and stay productive on the weekends (healthier too).
• Double your water intake- cop out but I still like the idea
• Teaching your dog one new thing per month- if your dog is not well behaved and that is something that stresses you out try this resolution!

• Walk in one new place a month- A new trail, new hike, mall walking, wherever it is pick a place, find a girlfriend/boyfriend/parent to come with you and go! Who knows you might find your new go to spot.
• Eating something healthy every day- Now this does not mean go on a diet, or only eat healthy things. What this does mean is that somedays you have one carrot as your “healthy food” and others you’re cooking an entire meal that is healthy. As the year goes on you will have found dozens of snacks and meals that you actually enjoy, and make you feel good too.

So you need a break, some me time, date night ideas, some self love! Congratulations on a successful year! Even if it doesn’t feel that way, you are leisurely reading a blog post right now so I don’t think things are too bad. Set your professional, financial, and health goals aside. You’re probably already on top of that anyways. Lets sink into what you’ve really been missing: your friends, your family, yourself, your creativity, you know what it is. This is your time to come up with a New Year’s resolution that helps you get back to that.

Examples

• Coffee twice a month with friends- Actually sitting down inside having a coffee and a conversation
• Trying a new board game or card game every month with your significant other- This could mean starting with ones you already know: Monopoly, Guess Who, Uno, or picking a random one from Barnes and Noble or off Amazon and seeing if you like it. Rule is you have to play the full game, make a whole night out of it!

• Plan one or two friends trips for the year- You don’t have to go far, a road trip works too!
• Try cooking something without a recipe with your partner- This could either be an amazing new staple in your weekly meals, or a hilarious night that ends it take out. Either way it’s a win
• Get dressed up and have a little photoshoot with the girls every month- This one is self explanatory you’re hot, take advantage!
• If you’re of age try a new s*x position- how ever often you freaks see fit
• Try getting creative- DIY something every month, start painting, or redecorating. Remember Color Me Mine? Revisit her i’m sure it’s still just as fun!

Either you’re really not interested in having to make a resolution at all, or you’re feeling Laissez-faire this year when it come to the whole thing. Maybe this year it should be more about the other people in your life. After all if you’re not doing it for yourself, why not do it for someone you love.

Examples

• Compliment someone everyday- This is probably one of my favorite options. Not only will this help you look for the good in people, but you will start looking for the good in other aspects of your life as well. As the year goes on you will find yourself giving more and more compliments everyday, it just becomes a habit!
• Surprise a friend with a gift every month- Just a little something that reminds you of them. Could be as small as a pack of gum.

• Call your grandparents every other week- They love you, and miss you! This could be any family member you see fit.
• Send birthday cards to your friends- An actual hand written card in the mail. So thoughtful, and even if there is no gift included the card is meaningful enough.
• Text someone every week that you miss them, or thought of them- That does not have to mean literally. You could send a video that reminds you of them, a memory, just something cute or funny to let them know you’re thinking of them.