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1 Schedule More Girl Time
Peathegee Inc//Getty Images "I've just had too much girl time lately," said NO. ONE. EVER. Plan a shopping, dinner, or coffee date to catch up on all the things. Or better yet—invite your girlfriends over for snacks and sips. Your place doesn't close, after all.
2 Get Outside
Thomas Barwick//Getty Images Even if you don't consider yourself the outdoorsy type, it's a proven fact that connecting with nature reduces stress. So take a hike (or even a stroll), watch a sunrise or sunset with someone you love, or take that extra lap around the park with your dog. The fresh air will do you good!
3 Compliment Someone and Mean It
pixelfit//Getty Images Although this may be harder for some than others (introverts, we see you), go the extra mile and pay someone a compliment—whether it's a coworker who has just killed it on her quarterly report presentation or the person in front of you in the coffee line whose jacket you love. A simple sentiment can go a long way in boosting the recipient's mood, and yours as well. Share the love with those closest to you, too. It may be a while since you told your significant other how pretty their eyes are or your kid that you noticed them practicing good manners.
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4 Make Your Bed
David Tsay You've likely heard this your whole life, but really: Make your bed every day. It seriously only takes a few minutes (if even!). Plus, it makes your whole bedroom feel neater and cleaner. And chances are if you don't do it in the morning, you'll end up straightening it up at night when all you want to do is go to sleep!
5 Keep Your Car Clean
Maskot//Getty Images Tidying up the house is a fine goal, but when you think about other places your family spends the most time—the car is likely at the top of the list. Give your vehicle one, good deep clean early in the year, then maintain it with a little help from your crew. Remind kids to dispose of snack wrappers and other trash. Keep car cleaning wipes in the console—the carpool line is a great time for a quick wipe-down!
6 Grow Something
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7 Don't Hit Snooze
Geber86//Getty Images Why does the alarm seem to sound off earlier and earlier every day? You're not the only one who feels this way! But think twice before hitting snooze. Wake up when the alarm says so—you're the one who set it after all. Consider what that extra 8 minutes does for your morning routine—or just stay in the shower an extra 8!
8 Paint a Room
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Chronicle Books Journal One Line A Day
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Chronicle Books Journal One Line A Day
Credit: AmazonIf you've always wanted to keep a consistent journal, whether it's about your day or to record your daily gratitude, why not make this the year you actually do it?! A five-year version like this One Line a Day journal allows you to establish a rhythm of journaling by capturing a few thoughts from the day in quick bursts. You might be surprised at how this simple habit will help you record memories, express emotions, and find contentment.
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10 Read More
Hill Creek Pictures//Getty Images If you love to read, commit to reading one new book (or more) a month. One good way to keep yourself accountable is to join or start a book club. It's a great way to discover new books and connect with friends, new and old. Bonus: We bet your screen time average will decrease!
11 Write Snail Mail
Morten Falch Sortland The past couple of years have shown us all that staying in touch with loved ones is important. Sure, you can send a text or an email, but we say step it up a notch and send actual mail! Start this goal by sending a few letters or cards over a couple of months. Think beyond holidays—a "just because" note will totally make someone's day!
Here we are...another year of wanting to drink more water. Start small by replacing 1-2 drinks a day with water. Maybe you replace that second cup of coffee with a glass or two of water. Next, buy a fun water bottle or cup, like this one from Ban.do. Level up your resolution by trying some healthy add-ins like fresh lemon or lime, fruit, or cucumber.
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13 Try Something New Each Month
Rawpixel Who says your resolution has to be sticking to just one thing? Shake things up by setting a goal to try something new and different each month. If you're a foodie, consider trying a new restaurant, recipe, or ingredient. Whatever goal you pick, start small, and work up to signing up for that pottery or Barre class. Get creative and don't forget to get your friends and family involved—they might help keep you accountable!
14 Support Local Restaurants
Irina Milevskaya / EyeEm You know that place you pass all the time on your way to the salon and have always wondered what all the fuss was about? Now's the time to try it! Make it a point to pick a new spot each week and support the local haunts that need it the most. Now this is an easy resolution to get behind!
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William Morrow & Company Pay Off Some Debt With a Spending Fast
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William Morrow & Company Pay Off Some Debt With a Spending Fast
Credit: AmazonTackling debt can be overwhelming, to say the least. If you're looking to pay off some debt this year, consider checking out Anna Newell Jones's book The Spender's Guide to Debt Free Living. She explains that one of the things that helped her was to go on a spending fast for a year. While it may feel daunting to fast from all extra spending for a whole year (ack!), approach the task in smaller doses, like a month or two for a particular area of your budget. It could be fasting from ordering out for 30 days and only cooking at home. Look at your budget to see what you've saved, pat yourself on the back, and apply that money to paying down debt.
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16 Make Monthly Playlists
MixMedia Want a soundtrack to your year? Document your favorite songs each month by saving them to a monthly playlist on Spotify. As you hear a song that speaks to you or you find yourself listening to on repeat, add it to the playlist. By the end of the year, you'll have an amazing collection of songs (and likely some new artists too) to look back on in the coming years.
17 Learn a New Hobby
A&Me Everyone needs a little down time, and a hobby is an excellent way to force your mind to think about things other than the kids or your job. When you're looking for something to keep your hands busy (and, let's be honest, give you a little zoning-out kind of therapy), try one of the many hobbies out there, like knitting, sewing, or embroidery. If getting outside is a goal, try your hand at gardening. Whatever you pick, remember that easing yourself into a new activity will help you stick with it if it's something you enjoy doing.
18 Walk a Mile a Day
mikroman6 It's possible that you're already walking (or running) a mile a day. In that case, set a goal to be more active in general. Try parking at the back of the parking lot at the grocery store to get in more steps, or take the stairs instead of the elevator when it makes sense. Set a step or distance goal and get creative about how you achieve it. We bet taking the long way to the park will make you (and your dog) happier!
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19 Shed Some Weight by Decluttering
Weekend Images Inc. The turn of a new year is an ideal opportunity to get organized! Spend some time going through all that stuff you've accumulated lately, one room and closet at a time. Find a local Goodwill, thrift store, or non-profit that is currently taking items, and donate your gently used items. The freedom you feel from a decluttered home will be worth all the effort. Take it one step further by vowing to keep your drawers, shelves, and closets tidy all year round.
20 Put Away Laundry—All The Way
Nina Vartanava / EyeEm They say the farthest distance is from the laundry basket to your closet, right?! If you fall into the trap of folding laundry only to get it halfway to its home, make this the year to change that. Start by forgetting your old laundry system. Kendra Adachi of The Lazy Genius Podcast recommends dividing your clothes before they get washed into piles of their final destination rather than their color. Once a destination is washed and dried, fold or hang within an hour to avoid the dreaded wrinkles (and procrastination!).
Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama.
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