It’s that time of the year. It seems like everyone is making plans to work out more, plan house renovations, get finances in order (no, really in order) and more. But New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be dreaded or even major commitments.
Here are some ideas for your New Year’s resolutions that are fun and healthy for everyone.
Learn an instrument
It’s a fact: your brain loves music. Music can improve your mood, memory and creativity. And a recent study found that musicians are quicker to correct mistakes and move past them. So whether it be a banjo or a piano, it’s never too late to learn a musical instrument. Your brain will thank you for it today and when you’re ninety.
Get outside
Yes, a lot of resolutions are about exercising and losing weight, but the benefits you can get from just being outside are immense. Since sitting at your desk during lunch might actually make you less productive, try taking a walk at lunch to boost your metabolism and productivity. Some offices have even started using sidewalks as meeting spaces. And getting yourself to a park is good for your mental health and life satisfaction.
Give back
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a year abroad – it can be an afternoon in your neighborhood. And the best part about becoming a volunteer? Everyone can do it! For kids, volunteering teaches social skills, helps build connections to communities and forms long-lasting friendships. Retirees can bring their years of real world experience to improve literacy when they volunteer to tutor in schools. And the national network of Levitt venues wouldn’t be possible without the work of amazing volunteers. They assist concertgoers with questions, pass out programs, take donations and act as the friendly faces for the venues.
We’ve just given you some ideas here, but we’d love to hear from you. What is your New Year’s resolution?