Building a Better You in the New Year

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2019? The practice of establishing a new habit in the new year is a common one, but so is the difficulty in maintaining that habit past the end of January. On Tuesday, we talked about how you can build lasting good habits, and today we have a few good habits to recommend in case you need some resolution inspiration.

Before you dive into a new habit, let’s talk about how you can maintain it. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all method of keeping a resolution or habit. It’s up to you to choose a goal that’s simple and attainable, adapt your environment to meet that goal, and integrate it into your daily life. Whew! Sounds tough. But you can do it (and here’s more information to help you succeed).

If you don’t have a New Year’s resolution in mind, here are a few habits to establish in 2019 that’ll leave you with a positive outlook, a healthy body, new knowledge, and a strong community.  

• Practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude has been shown to increase well-being in older adults. Start a daily gratitude journal with a short list of people, events, or things you are grateful for each day. Or try gratitude meditation and see how it impacts your life.

• Get moving. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made year after year is to exercise. Studies show that regular physical activity is an important component in staying healthy, but there’s no need to become a bodybuilder or run a marathon. Moderate, regular activity is all your body needs to experience the myriad of benefits found with exercise. Check out this collection of resources offered by the National Institute on Aging for older adults looking to get active.

• Learn something new. It’s never too late to pick up a new skill, learn a language, or further your passions. If you’re looking for an easy, accessible option, take a look at Dictionary.com’s Word of the Day, TED-Ed’s educational videos, or Duolingo’s plentiful language-learning options. To dive in deeper, consider online courses taught by professionals on Udemy or Skillshare. For in-person education, check out the class list at your local recreation or senior center.

• Get involved. Becoming an active participant in your community is a rewarding experience. One of the best ways to meet new people and give back is through volunteering. You can experience the connection and satisfaction of volunteering here at Cultivate! Get started with us today.

Although building new habits can be a challenge, the reward is a new behavior that can bring happiness or increased quality to your life. And with a little extra knowledge under your belt for building habits that last past February, we hope you’ll be successful! It’s not too late to try a New Year’s resolution or simply decide to implement a new healthy habit into your day. Whether it’s a habit we suggested here or one of your own, get started. And if your New Year’s resolution involves giving back, do so with Cultivate.