Great New Year’s resolutions to keep all year
New Year's resolutions are a very popular activity at the end of each year. Some people feel a sense of accomplishment simply by creating their resolution list. Common resolutions include weight loss, smoking cessation and making more money.
The problem with many New Year's resolutions is that most are not things people really want to do. They may want to lose weight, but depriving themselves of foods they enjoy is not a pleasant thought. They also may truly want to stop smoking but find it very difficult to do so. While weight loss and healthier living are both commendable resolutions, there are some that are just asimportantand easy to keep.
Be kind
It is not all that uncommon for people to not greet each other while standing in line or sitting in a coffee shop. With all of the terrible things on the news, its like people feel they have no reason to be polite anymore. People are weary of each other and should be cautious because "you never know".
On the other side of the coin, what harm is there in holding a door for someone? What is wrong with saying "hello" to someone? You do not have to strike up a life-altering conversation or become fast friends. Just a little more kindness could do you and everyone around you a bit of good.
Lend a helping hand
Whether you admit it or not, you have probably been in the position to help someone, but were "too busy" to offer. Perhaps you were in your car, headed somewhere and saw someone you knew, walking down the street. Did you offer them a ride? What about helping your elderly neighbor carry their groceries inside?
People are so busy with their own lives that they end up being rather rude to the ones around them at times. There are always going to be times where you simply cannot offer that helping hand, but when you know you can, please do it. Do it for yourself as much as for the other person. Helping people out of pure kindness really does make you feel good.
Be lessjudgmental
It is so easy to look down your nose at people that have a different lifestyle than you. Whether they drink alcohol, have tattoos, have a different religion or just seem odd to you, is no reason to judge them. Many times people talk badly about others to make themselves feel better.
Try being a little more open-minded and understanding towards others. You do not have to agree with everything people say and do, but just realize that they have a right to live life their way. You would not want someone judging the way you live.
Laugh more
It is one of the easiest things in the world to do, yet some people actually go days/weeks/months without laughing. It is insane to not sit down and have a good chuckle once in a while. Life is not always a big comedy fest, so you have to create your own moments.
Laughter can help relieve a little bit of stress and just feels good. The times when you are down and out are the times when you need a good laugh the most. Even when life is going pretty good, it doesn't hurt to laugh more. Laughter and happiness tend to go hand in hand.
These may sound like silly resolutions to some people. However, these are all things some people forget to do sometimes. When the hustle and bustle of the daily grind takes over, these little things tend to get put on the proverbial back burner. When some people feel pressed for time or stressed due to life situations, they tend to become angry, irritable and even a little down. This certainly does not make for good mental or physical health.
When it is time to sit down and create that resolution list, consider putting things on it that really matter. Along with health and financial goals try adding in "laugh more" and "be nicer". You might be surprised at how much better the days are if you stick to those resolutions!
