New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To

Every January 1, gyms become more crowded, the grocery store's health food aisle becomes more popular and goals are set higher than the year before. But even with the best of intentions, unrealistic or overwhelming New Year's resolutions with no plan to back them can make them doomed from the start.

But don't stress — 2018 could be your year! Instead of setting your sights too high, start small and focused. Pick a specific area of your life that could use some improving and go from there. Whether you want to break a bad habit, try something new or improve relationships with loved ones, let these ideas serve as some inspiration for a 2018 plan you'll actually stick to. Happy New Year!

Break A Bad Habit

Whether it's resisting the urge to bite your nails, refraining from indulging in that midnight snack or limiting your social media use, breaking a bad habit could be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Plus, this type of resolution tends to be specific enough that you can actually hold yourself accountable and keep with it. Once you find that you have full control over yourself when it comes to overcoming the bad habit, you might even be inspired to expand that mindset into larger aspects of your life like work, relationships and health.

Try Something New

It's only human nature to stick to what we know. But while it's perfectly fine to have routine and a sense of normalcy in your lives, broadening your horizons to new experiences can only help you grow. Choose one thing you don't usually do or have never done and break out of your comfort zone a bit.

It doesn't need to be anything life-altering. Instead of ordering sesame chicken from your local Chinese restaurant on Tuesdays, shake things up and try Thai food. Hang out with your normal group of friends, but ask your new friend from work to grab a cocktail, too. Learn how to play that instrument you've always liked or take that yoga class that you've been too busy for. Even if you find these new experiences aren't for you, you'll probably be glad you tried them.

Prioritize Self-Care

Sometimes we are so busy worrying about others that we forget to take time for our mental and physical health. If you feel guilty taking some me-time, keep in mind that there's a difference between taking care of yourself and being self-indulgent. It's perfectly acceptable to make yourself a priority every once in a while, and choosing a resolution like eating nutritiously or getting eight hours of sleep each night could help your mental health and minimize stress. So go ahead and splurge on that set of extra soft sheets, or book that personal trainer that can help you get the results you've been striving for.

Mend Relationships

If you want an easy way to get into the whole "new year, new me" mindset, letting go of grudges and mending relationships is a good place to start. Spending quality time and making real connections with friends and loved ones can help improve our own happiness, and can be as simple as a phone call or cup of coffee. Make it a point to call your siblings, visit your parents or reconnect with a friend you haven't seen in a while.

At the same time, recognize when someone in your life is toxic or is holding you back in any way. The people you surround yourself with play a role in shaping who you are, so make sure their qualities, personalities, and values and line up in some way with those of your own.

Go Easy On Yourself

Recognize all your hard work and learn when it's time to treat yourself. If you vowed to eat healthier this year that doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself from a delicious meal or a night out with friends. Life is all about balance, and taking a break once in a while might keep you from giving up on your resolution all together. Plus, focusing on yourself in a positive way can be a stepping stone to improving overall happiness and satisfaction in other aspects of your life.

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