We don't think there has been a time in recent history that has rocked everyone as a collective whole, nor has there been a period in recent memory that literally everyone wanted to end. Given that it's 2021, and New Year's Eve will (once again) look a lot different than most years, we hope that we're past all of the toxic diet culture resolutions that tell women to change themselves just for "looks."
If losing weight isn't a resolution one is looking for, we have 20 other ideas here that are a whole lot better. We thought of a few that are perfect for anyone, and a few for people who happen to be parents, too. Each will make 2022 a year of growth, strength and in many cases, a ton of fun. From journaling to family movie nights or finding a new hobby, these resolutions will refocus us all this January, and give us something to look forward to in the months to come, when winter break eventually comes to an end, of course. We promise, it will.
Take Up Meditation
People talk about meditation a lot, but it's not just a trend. It's a great way to slow down and practice mindfulness, maybe to get past anxiety, practice gratitude, or simply set intentions. It's a small action to commit to for emotional strength in the new year.
Rest When It's Needed
Our culture tells us that quitting is bad and working is an identity and tied to our worth, but that's not true. Putting ourselves first in the new year could look like honoring our bodies and resting when we need it to be recharged for the people and things that need us.
Try a New Dish or a New Restaurant
New years goals don't have to be completely hard. They can be something fun. Or, they can be something that just expands a person's worldview, or in this case, palate. Commit to ordering or trying to cook a new dish and see if the family likes it.
Journal a Few Times a Week
Journaling has long been a way to express oneself and to heal emotionally. It can clear thoughts and release tension. If journaling appeals, setting aside time to journal consistently in the new year makes for a great resolution.
Set a Savings Goal
The health crisis of the past few years has rocked thousands of Americans, both emotionally and financially. The new year is a great start to learning how to budget and sticking to it. Or to set a savings goal for a fun and safe family trip.
Pick Up a New Hobby
Lockdown had a lot of people finding new hobbies, but if the stress was too great to be one of them (it was a scary time!), we get it. The new year could be the year to learn a new skill or pick up a fun hobby to feel independent and stimulated.
Read a Book a Month
With all of the amazing books that keep coming out, and all the virtual book clubs that are being formed these days, reading has never been more fun, or social. Set a goal to read a book a month. Pick a different genre each time or get a friend or family member to read, too. There's also a Book of the Month subscription service that'll make things easier.
Start Therapy
We all go through hard times in life at one point or another. Most of us found this year to be particularly hard. Some people have therapists, while others are more resistant. Make 2022 the year to start talking to someone.
Find Time to Dance Each Week
Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Dancing gets the heart rate up and the endorphins pumping. Plus, it's fun and can be done anywhere — just crank up the music and grab the kids and bust out some moves. Set aside dance time to keep it up throughout the year.
Adopt an Animal in Need
Pet adoptions, dog adoptions in particular, have skyrocketed since the beginning of the health crisis. If 2021 was the year of thinking about adopting a pet, make 2022 the year it happens. Animals around the country are always on the hunt for their forever homes.
Volunteer More Often
Being a good person isn't just about being nice to people. Helping others through giving time and volunteering is a positive way to start the new year or set as a year-long goal in 2022 to get outside oneself.
Plan Family Movie Nights
Most of the time, our families are crazy busy. We have activities to get to, school work to get done, dinner to cook, and parties to attend. With all of that slowed down because of the health crisis, there's more time to spend with the kids. Make sure it happens consistently with a weekly family movie night. Set up a schedule and stick to it.
Drink More Water
OK, this New Year's resolution is pretty cliché, but it's still something super important and healthy to do so we're including it. Water is great for the body, teeth, and skin and can replace vices like alcohol and sugary sodas.
Switch to More Sustainable Products
Climate change is a result of pollution and other reckless behavior by humans (much of which through companies and governments), but that doesn't mean people can't help be more environmentally friendly on an individual level. There are tons of sustainable products out there like reusable shopping bags, which can be used in instead of single-use plastic bags.
Amp Up the WFH Space
While many people have adapted to the work-from-home life, it might have gotten cluttered or doesn't feel as comfortable as it should. Take the new year to really make the WFH space feel as comfy as possible. Even if kids run in every so often.
Unfollow Toxic Social Accounts
Social media has been incredible for keeping in touch with loved ones and friends during this time. But even before lockdown, it has also been a source of anxiety with so many people comparing themselves to others and feeling bad about their lives or bodies because of it. Make 2022 the year to purge the toxic accounts.
Buy Amazing Clothes (& Not in a Different Size)
With the whole "lose weight" resolution, some people fall into the trap of finding all kinds of ways to motivate themselves to an arbitrary goal, size, or weight they set. Ditch the numbers, and if shopping is happening in the new year, buy only clothes that fit now, not later.
Declutter a Space
Another cliché resolution, but with everyone spending a lot more time at home than usual, it makes for a great time to clear out a space (and maybe donate things that aren't needed). Pick one room or a few and feel super good when it's clean and organized.
Speak Up in Meetings
Speaking up in meetings (and even in life) is goal is a bit more abstract. It's not an action with obvious results, but speaking up and getting ideas heard is a great resolution to have and work toward next year.
Feel at Peace With Just Getting Through Each Day
No, this isn't a mistake. Resolutions are amazing if one wants to have them. But 2021 was tough. Sometimes life will be hard, and getting through each day and working to create stability is a win in and of itself — and we'll take it.
