A fresh year gives you the opportunity to make resolutions that will make your life happier in the upcoming year. The plans you make for the next year matter, so carefully consider your resolutions.
Consider these resolutions to fill your life with more happiness and joy:
1. Laugh at least once a day. Laughter boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones and improves your resistance to disease. It triggers the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
2. Stay grateful. Reflecting on your daily blessings is good for you both mentally and physically. By developing an Attitude of Gratitude you feel more fulfilled and joyful each day. “If you concentrate on what you have, you’ll always have more.”
3. Find hobbies that make you happy. What do you enjoy? Tap into your natural passions with a new hobby that brings you pleasure. It helps to relieve stress by keeping you engaged in something you enjoy.
4. Reconnect with nature at least once a week. Being in nature benefits mind and body – from reducing stress to increasing pleasant feelings of well being to increasing our sense of awe – that feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves.
5. Volunteer to help a local organization. Instead of writing a check and forgetting about the charity, connect with a local organization that needs help. When you make a difference in your community, you feel pride and accomplishment. Your heart will be filled with joy as you help others.
6. Explore your creative side. Do you love art, dance, music, or other creative outlets? Creative activities help us acknowledge and celebrate our own uniqueness and diversity. When you take the time to explore your creativity, you may be surprised at the depth of ideas and impulses you find there. Creativity brings out joy – and joy improves your quality of life.
7. Express your appreciation for others. Let others know you appreciate their efforts. Appreciation is the joy you feel on seeing the good in someone. Making them feel good makes you feel good too!
8. Clarify your priorities. Prioritizing allows you to spend more time on the right things. And spending time on the activities that support what’s most important to you brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
9. Organize events with friends. Friendships are such a source of joy. They increase your sense of belonging and purpose and improve your self-confidence and happiness in life.
10. Exercise. Move your body. It helps fight stress and increases energy. It can also improve your mood and make you feel happier. Find something you enjoy doing so you’ll stick with it.
11. Enjoy your favorite foods. It’s important to enjoy the foods you love, but eat them in moderation. You can find instant joy by sipping your favorite wine or eating your favorite chocolate. And when you enjoy your food, you absorb more nutrients and are satisfied with less!
12. Get enough sleep. When you get enough sleep, you get sick less often, lower your risk for serious health problems, reduce stress and improve your mood.
13. Stay present in the moment. Life is always in the NOW moment. The past and future do not exist except in our minds. By staying present, you transcend the fears of the ego, your senses are sharpened and you are able to enjoy and appreciate life.
14. Keep your mind active. A mentally active life is as important as regular physical exercise. It results in physical and mental rejuvenation. Plus, an active mind avoids boredom, so you can find more joy.
15. Make new friends. New friendships instantly add joy to your life. However, quality is more important than quantity. So nurture the friends who will be there for you through thick and thin as you would be for them.
16. Give and accept more hugs. Hugs can lift your mood, and have a positive impact on endorphin levels. A good hug results in oxytocin flow (known as the “love drug”) which calms your nervous system and boosts positive emotions.
17. Spend more time with your children. Instead of watching TV or focusing on work, find more time to spend with your children. See the joy of life through their eyes.
18. Play more. Do you love board games or puzzles? Running around with your kids or pets? Let loose and spend some enjoyable time playing. Playing is good for both your mind and body.
19. Encourage the people around you. As you encourage others and help them find happiness, your own joy will increase. A kind word, a touch or a smile can transform someone’s life.
20. Practice extreme self care. That includes eliminating critical thinking, not over scheduling, being willing to say no, and giving yourself plenty of rest and downtime to refuel, regenerate and rejuvenate.
21. Look for the positive aspects. A positive attitude leads to success and happiness. It is the guide to leading a positive life. Be willing to look for the silver lining in the ups and downs of your life. A positive attitude will lead you out of the most difficult times.
22. Smile more. Make smiling a priority and watch joy fill your life. There is incredible power within a smile. A smile relays feelings of joy, hope and positivity and can instantly put you in a happier mood.
23. Create new goals. Find happiness in new directions and goals. Goal setting keeps you focused and motivated to turn your visions into your reality. Create goals that make you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
24. Meditate daily. Practiced daily, meditation produces amazing results on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being…connecting you with your own inner powers and profound joy.
New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful way to alter the direction of your entire year. They can also transform your life. Pick just a few of these resolutions that resonate with you and enjoy the happy life you deserve!
Eva Gregory is a master coach, speaker, author and founder of Leading Edge Coaching & Training, where she helps spiritual entrepreneurs integrate Inner Guidance with proven practical business strategies for growing a list of loyal followers who become raving fans, so that they quickly and consistently attract more of their ideal clients, without compromising their Spirit and values. Join her Successful Spiritual Entrepreneur Facebook community here where you’ll receive plenty of tools, resources and trainings on how to grow a successful enlightened business that lights up your Soul!
