7 New Year's Resolutions Everyone Should Make

Was 2014 a great year for you, or one you’re glad to say good bye to? As the new year draws closer, 2015 brings with it a chance to make some changes.

North Druid Hills and Briarcliff residents, do you have New Year’s resolutions that you’re adamant about putting into practice when 2015 begins? Share your goals with us in the comments section. And if your New Year’s resolution is one that could require some careful discipline, tell us your plan for implementing it.

If you haven’t started thinking about New Year’s resolutions yet, here are the top seven most popular New Year’s resolutions from USA.gov. Maybe you can hijack one from this list.

7. Eat Healthy Food: The holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) brings with it lots of opportunities to eat unhealthily — or overeat if we’re talking about Thanksgiving. Ringing in at number seven is the resolution to make healthy diet choices. ChooseMyPlate.gov has tons of tips for healthy eating and options to do it without breaking the bank.

6. Save Money: Maybe spending too much money in 2014 is a habit that needs to be broken. USA.gov recommends “Saving and Investing: A Roadmap to Your Financial Security Through Saving and Investing.” Maybe this book should be put at the top of your “To Read” list.

5. Get a Better Job: Let’s face it. Saving money isn’t always easy, especially if you’re not making as much as you’d like. If your job-hunting skills need polish, here are some resume and interview guides from USA.gov. Also, don’t forget to check the Patch Jobs Board to search for new, local job listings.

4. Get a Better Education: Going hand-in-hand with New Year’s resolution No. 5, that dream job you’ve been hoping for might require a couple more years in school. For those who have a love for education and learning, why wait and put off going back to learn about the subjects that really interest you? 2015 could be the year to do it. Here’s a guide for education resources and financial aid.

3. Quit Smoking: If you don’t smoke, this point can be passed along to friends or family members who do. Diseases that can be caused by smoking include cancer, heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Secondhand smoke can be just as, if not more, harmful to non-smokers.

2. Volunteer to Help Others: If you absolutely love the community you live in, 2015 could be the time to give back to it. Serve.gov helps you find ways to serve your local community. But if you already know where you’d like to volunteer, give the organization/group a call, and share with us in the comments so others can see and join in on the giving back.

1. Lose Weight: It’s no surprise that losing weight rings in as the No. 1 most popular New Year’s resolution. Eating healthy is one way to have a healthy lifestyle, but working out and being active is just as important to shed those unwanted pounds and promote an all-around healthy lifestyle. The weight-control Information Network offers resources and tips on losing weight and living healthy.

Happy New Year’s, North Druid Hills and Briarcliff residents.