25 New Year’s Resolutions That Have NOTHING To Do With Losing Weight

a woman with a New Year's resolutions calendar
PHOTO: UNSPLASH

They say the truth will set you free, so let’s start this out with a little dose of it. Did you know that while most people make some form of a New Year’s resolution, a whopping 80 percent of individuals quit following through before Valentine’s Day?

There are probably all sorts of reasons why. The top two that come to mind is 1) If you have to wait until New Year’s Day to start — or stop — doing something, that sounds like a procrastination issue and 2) The resolutions themselves may seem a bit boring or can even be something that you won’t see results with for months to come.

We know y’all are gonna make ‘em. This year, why not try your hand at some New Year’s Resolutions that are fun, self-affirming and ones that you can do immediately to feel instantly better.

(Spoiler Alert: They have NOTHING to do with losing weight!)

woman meditating
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1 / 25

Meditate Every Morning

If you’re sick of feeling anxious and rushed every morning, there’s a simple way to remedy that. Get up 30 minutes earlier and meditate. 

It doesn’t have to be anything deep. Just crawl out of bed, sit on the floor with your knees crossed and breathe in deeply for 10-15 minutes. 

It’s a great way to get calm and centered — something you’ll need in morning traffic and to get through the day at work.

woman doing kegels
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2 / 25

Do Some Kegels

While you’re down there, devote the last five minutes or so to doing some kegels. They will help to strengthen your pelvic floor wall, reduce the chances of experiencing incontinence and, the best part about them is they can intensify your orgasms as you “train yourself” to control your vaginal walls better (i.e., make them contract more).

woman in her bedroom
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3 / 25

Get Some New Bedding

Speaking of your bed, if it’s been over 18 months since you’ve had some new bedding (especially sheets), get some! 1000-thread count Egyptian sheets will help to regular your body temperature at night and blues, greens, greys or pinks are all soothing colors to lull you to sleep.

candle in a windowsill
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4 / 25

And Some Scented Soy Candles

For the rooms of your house where you tend to spend the most time in, get some scented soy candles and light them, at least a few times per week. Why soy? They burn cleaner and last longer. 

As far as scents go — lavender will relax you, citrus will awaken you, Frankincense reduces stress, peppermint enhances your mood and cinnamon boosts your libido (just to name a few).

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5 / 25

Hire A Housekeeper (At Least Once)

Is your schedule so hectic that it seems like no matter what you do, you can’t get a hold on all of the rooms of your house? Even if your budget is tight, go without eating out one month and hire a housekeeper, even if it’s only one time. 

Once they clean your house from top to bottom, the upkeep will be so much easier. You’ll be able to work and rest easier in a clean space too.

man talking about a therapist
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6 / 25

See A Life Coach

While you’re organizing your home, don’t forget to also organize your life. The same point about a housekeeper applies to a life coach. 

Sure, it would be great if you’d commit to seeing one no less than three months, but most aren’t the cheapest. So, even if it’s only a couple of visits to get your personal and professional life organized, it’s an investment that you’ll be certain to see an ROI in. #promise

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7 / 25

Buy A Fresh Journal

If we can’t convince you to get a life coach (yet), make one of your New Year’s resolutions to get a fresh journal to write in. Then, rather than letting your television or smartphone put you to sleep, head to bed 20 minutes earlier at least a couple of times a week so that you can do some journaling. 

It’s a good way to get some “me time” in so that you can process your thoughts. It’s also a great way to relax so that you can sleep more soundly.

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8 / 25

Do A Pros-And-Cons List Regarding Your Job

In your journal, do a little dreaming and organizing. Take your job, for instance. If you love it, Mazel Tov!  

If you hate it, there’s no time like the present to either make an exit strategy plan (so that you’re not there this time next year) or to even figure out a way to start your own business. SBA.gov is one place with tons of resources.

couple arguing in a store
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9 / 25

Have Five Short And Five Long-term Goals For Your Relationship

If you’re in a relationship, congrats! Now, how is that going? It can be easy to feel stuck in one if you and your significant other aren’t making plans for your future. 

Create five short-term goals (things you want to do together or accomplish within the next six months) and five long-term ones (things that you want to have done within two years). Ask your partner to do the same and then compare and contrast to see where things stand. And what's next for you both.

(You might even want to create a relationship vision board if they are down.)

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10 / 25

(If You’re Single) Go To A Bed And Breakfast With A Male Friend

And what if you’re single? If you don’t want to be, you could go the blind date, online dating or even hiring a professional matchmaker route. 

But why not break out of the box a little bit? If you have a male friend that you’ve quietly wondered “what if?” about or he’s flirted with you, suggest taking a trip (same room totally optional) to a bed and breakfast in the next town over.

The combination of the ride together and being in a different space that doesn’t scream “booty call” (like a hotel room usually does) will help both of you to know if there could be something between you that you’ve easily overlooked.

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SHELLIE RENEé

Just a woman who digs all things relationships. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, that is. I've been writing (professionally) for close to 20 years, including having two books published. I'm also a marriage life coach and doula. Sometimes I speak to large audiences or do radio interviews, but usually I'm sitting in my favorite chair, surfin' the 'net and penning stuff that I wish I had read in my early 20s.

Listen, I don't have all the answers, not by a LOOOOONG shot. But whatever I can do to spare folks any heartbreak, bitterness or straight-up drama, I'll devote some keystrokes to doing. 

That's it...in a nutshell. For the most part. Kinda. ;)

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