New Year’s Resolutions are a great way to say you’re going to do something and then stop doing it after two weeks. Or, they’re a really great way to start doing something new. The best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions are ones that don’t require a huge effort. It might sound lazy, but it’s true. Here are some easy resolutions that you can keep and will make a lasting, positive impact on your life.
Cut Down on Sugar: Obviously, we’re not telling you to eradicate all sugar from your diet because unless you are really committed, it’s hard to do. If you have two sugars in your tea and coffee, and you have five cups a day then that’s ten teaspoons of sugar a day. Cutting down to one and then gradually cutting down to none is the easiest way of cutting down your sugar intake without sacrificing your favourite things.
Go Meat-Free Once a Week: Last year it was announced that red meat was now considered as carcinogenic as cigarettes and alcohol. To some, the thought of giving up red meat is the stuff of nightmares, going meat-free just once a week can make a huge difference. Also, going meat-free for a day can do so much to reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change. Get the recipe for this chickpea curry here.
Switch off for One Hour a Day: It might sound easy, but it’s actually quite difficult to eradicate all forms of modern technology in your life for one hour a day. However, doing so will help reduce your stress levels and give your eyes a rest. Invest in an adult colouring book or read a book, even if that hour is on your morning commute, it’s better than staring at your phone replying to emails.
Shop Locally: This one is super easy for us Brightonians. Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas have so many wonderful independent businesses that it won’t take much to shop there instead of your standard high street store. From clothes shops, to bookshops to farmer’s markets, shopping locally is a great resolution for this year.
Sort Out Your Social Media: Keep updated with only the people you care about on social media this year. Though many will tell you to just delete the people you don’t care about, sometimes it’s not that easy and this is where the unfollow button comes in. Unfollow everyone you don’t like or don’t want to keep up with, but they still stay on your friends list meaning they have no idea you don’t care about them. Perfect for racist family members and annoying neighbours. Thanks Zuckerberg.
Donate to Charity: Everyone would love to volunteer, but many of us don’t have the time to carve out of our busy schedules but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to give back. Setting up a monthly donation to a charity you care about is a great way to help.
Holly Martin
