10 New Year’s Resolutions for Personal Growth That Are Not Fitness-Related

“Work out more” is one of the most common resolutions we hear around this time of year. For those of you who are excited to pursue a new fitness journey, power to you! Go crush those goals!

But for others, maybe working out is not the top of your priority list, or you already have a regular movement practice that you don’t want to change.

Trying to come up with an enjoyable and beneficial resolution can be hard. Here are 10 non-fitness resolutions anyone can do that will support your personal growth throughout the new year:

Create a meditation practice
Meditation has been shown to benefit physical and mental health in a variety of ways. If you often feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burnt out, it may be time to slow down. Even as little as two minutes a day can provide noticeable benefits. If you don’t know where to start, find guided mediations on YouTube, or check out an app like Headspace.

Take up journaling
Journaling, much like meditation, is a chance to slow down. It also contributes to health benefits such as reduced stress and sharpened memory. Journaling can help you reflect on your day or difficult situations, learn more about yourself, and hone your writing skills. You can start with a prompt, or just put a pen to paper and see where it takes you.

Learn a new skill/hobby
One of the best ways to entertain ourselves and keep our mind sharp is to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby. We all have those things we’ve thought about a dozen times but never pursued – playing an instrument, knitting, woodworking, making wine, starting a garden, etc. Make 2022 the year you stop thinking about it and finally do it!

Set a reading goal
Maybe you’ve never been much of a reader, or maybe reading has fallen to the wayside in recent years. Whatever the reason, most people wish they read more. Motivate yourself to do so by setting a measurable goal like one book a month or a certain number for the whole year. Oh and, double the personal growth points for self-help books.

Tidy up
Most people are familiar with the “tidying up” Netflix phenomenon, but there’s more to the art of tidying than being quality entertainment. Items that you’re keeping out of obligation, guilt, or a wish that you’d use them more are only weighing on you physically (in your space) and mentally. Discarding clothes and items you don’t use will make you feel lighter and help you keep your home cleaner. If you need more in-depth directions, check out Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Volunteer in the community
What better way to dedicate your time in the new year than serving your community? Find a cause you’re passionate about and give as much or as little time as you can spare. Even one hour a week can make a positive impact. We often think serving is a gift to the community, but it’s a gift to yourself too. Those who pour into others typically feel more fulfilled in their own lives.

Transition to using cleaner products
We’ve seen a huge movement toward cleaner skincare, cosmetics, cleaning products, and more in recent years. While many of us know clean products are better for the environment and our health, the thought of switching every single household or hygiene product is daunting. Take a year to slowly transition your home to cleaner products. It’ll make the transition smoother and more affordable!

Do random acts of kindness
Little acts of kindness can have a huge impact on you and the people around you, and they don’t have to cost anything. Set measurable goals for your acts of kindness so you won’t forget them in the whirlwind of daily life. Try goals such as: give one compliment a day, bring cookies to the monthly staff meeting, or buy one stranger’s coffee each week.

Design a new budget
Finances are an important part of personal wellness, and many people aren’t satisfied with the way they’re managing theirs. If you don’t have a budget, now is the time to get started. Even if you already have one, the new year is a great time to reevaluate and revamp it. Creating a budget will save you stress and bring you peace of mind by giving you a better sense of control over your money.

Set a bedtime (and stick to it!)
A bedtime may sound juvenile, but it will pay off in the long run. Getting enough sleep is vital to staying healthy and feeling good day-in and day-out. Choose a bedtime that will allow you to get a proper 7-9 hours of sleep and do whatever you can to help yourself stick to it. Screen Time limits are a great tool for those who find themselves scrolling late at night!

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