It’s a fresh year and a fresh start – a new year gives us all the opportunity to make changes in our lives. Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions that will make you happier in 2018.
Many of us can no longer focus on a simple task without reaching for our phones. Set aside 30 minutes a day for technology breaks and unplug from all your devices – computer, iPad, laptop, phone etc. Temporarily disengaging from emails, social media, and the internet is a wonderful way to recharge.
A Wisconsin study showed lower levels of tension and depression among women who took holidays more frequently (once or twice a year) versus those who vacationed less often. In fact, it turns out that even simply anticipating a holiday can boost happiness for weeks, according to a Dutch study.
Walking 10,000 steps a day (or about 5 miles) is a low-impact way to improve your health. Download a free app to help you keep track of your daily steps. A study from the University of East Anglia found that those who switched from driving to walking or cycling to work benefited from improved well-being.
People who sleep for eight to nine hours a night tend to wake up happier. Get on a regular sleep schedule and your body will adjust, increasing the chances you’ll rest longer. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.
Learning is a core need for our psychological well-being; it can help us build confidence and a sense of self-efficacy. That doesn’t mean we have to go back to school. You could take up a new hobby, learn a new language, or learn how to play an instrument. If a higher education or a degree has been your New Year’s resolution, you can still achieve it with online studies.
