10 New Years Resolutions Ideas

It is that time of year when we start to think of what we would like to do better for 2015. We all have something we’d like to do better, whether it’s a desire to be more active, less messy, more creative or less attached to our Smart Phones. To help you on your way, we have compiled a list of 10 habits, goals and routines to adopt for the New Year.  

It’s one thing to say, “I want to lose weight.” It’s a whole other thing to say, “I’m going to lose weight by jogging Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and by only eating fast food once a month.” Make specific goals for yourself. They don’t have to be big; simply walking home from work instead of taking the bus is a step in the right direction.

Look at ways to make some savings, credit cards, can they be moved to  a new an interest free card, set up monthly Direct Debit to clear the balance. Making too many compulsive purchases? Realize you don’t need half the stuff you think you do. Eating out too much? Get a cookbook and enjoy cooking

Checkout http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ for some money tips

Clutter and stress go hand-in-hand. That pile of unopened letters on the kitchen table is actually a bundle of stress. That staircase riddled with stacks of clothes, and the kitchen cupboards full of half-full cleaning bottles, most of them do the same thing. Clear the clutter.

Take the time to de-clutter your home of things that you no longer need, and organise the things that do. Set up three large, separate everything by things to “keep,” things to “donate” and things to “throw away.”

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach the unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.”

Being positive can do wonders for your psyche. It can also have a desirable effect on your overall health. Studies have shown a link between positive thinking and increased life span, lower rates of depression, better resistance to the common cold.

Apps are addicting, games are fun, and has anyone else noticed how other people’s faces just aren't as interesting as my smartphone screen?

If friends constantly tell you about your iPhone addiction, maybe your New Year’s resolution for 2014 should be to put the phone down and just … talk. We get it; the second the phone glows with a new message, it’s hard to ignore. But really, it can wait.

Engage with the people around you and pledge to give the messages and emails a rest. Give yourself a time frame; “For the next hour, I will not pick up my phone for any reason, other than if Mum/Grandma calls.”

Let them wait! It won’t kill the person on the other end. We promise.

Consumers hold power. Small businesses rely on them! Get to know the small business owners in your area and support their shops. It’s a great way to get involved in your community.

Be honest with yourself. Be more honest with others. Just, be more honest! Honesty goes a long way in relationships. Even if you have to be the bearer of bad news, it’s best to get something off your chest.

It’s important to get outside more often. Children who spend more time in green spaces, have less stress, perform better in school and have fewer ADHD symptoms.

Find ways to spend more time outdoors. Take up gardening, go for a walk.

You will never regret a good night’s sleep. Beyond improving under eye circles and boosting alertness. Plenty of rest is known to boost memory, develop creativity, reduce inflammation, improve performance at work and school, lower stress and improve attention, among other things. 

We don’t need to remind you of the benefits of eating healthier. Make a choice to develop better eating habits.

A simple rule of thumb is this: When you look at your plate, you should see multiple colours -- greens, oranges, yellows. Eat your greens, control your portions and, most importantly, dare to try new things.