Do you already have good resolutions for the new year? We have a few suggestions for you that are really useful and really help you.
At the start of the new year, we always want everything: No resolution can be big enough, no goal is unattainable. We think. But then reality catches up with us, and by March at the latest all good resolutions are forgotten (for example we drink alcohol more often or start smoking again). It's actually a shame, because if you set realistic goals for your resolutions, you can really make a difference in your life.
We'll show you eleven good resolutions for the new year that can really be implemented. Pick one out before New Year's Eve – or maybe even two? But don't take over – and start the new year motivated.
1. Eat less meat
You don't have to become a full-time vegetarian right away. It is quite sufficient to consciously avoid meat a few days a week. There are really enough tasty vegetarian alternatives.
Vegetarian dishes for geni … Recipes (1084659)
The advantage: If you only eat meat one or two days a week, you can buy higher quality meat in organic quality instead of using cheaper variants from conventional production. So you are not only doing something good for yourself – namely a diet rich in vitamins and bases – but also for the animals and regional organic producers.
2. Eat healthy foods
In general, it is worth taking a closer look at food. If you don't want to switch to organic products straight away and can't stop by the weekly market regularly, you should at least try to eat regionally and seasonally. This means that when choosing fruits and vegetables, you focus on the products that are in season.
Not only does it harmonize better with your natural organic rhythm, it also saves long transport routes for exotic fruit and vegetables. In winter, instead of tomatoes, rely on root vegetables such as parsley root or beets, which are currently experiencing a renaissance, or on different types of cabbage. So you also bring variety to your table. Following the rhythm of the seasons, there are always new delicacies on the plate.
Then make sure that fruit and vegetables ideally come from Germany and carry the organic seal. You have not only done something good for yourself, but also made the world a little bit better. This good resolution can certainly be kept. And best of all: If you rely on a lot of healthy vegetables, you can also lose weight more easily (which is basically always one of our good resolutions ?)
3. Do 20 minutes of exercise twice a week
It doesn't always have to be the really big sporting goals. Instead of preparing for the next triathlon or marathon, just start first. Twice a week 20 minutes of exercise should be included, don't you think? That could be a jog in the city park, a few laps in the swimming pool around the corner, a yoga session in the next gym (or at home in your living room) or a short bike ride home from work.
It is not important that you achieve an enormous amount of training, but that you exercise regularly. The joy of it comes naturally at some point – and then you can always improve. You will be able to see the first results very early on. That is a tremendous incentive!
4. Sleep regularly for 7 to 8 hours
Sleep is extremely important for the regeneration of the body and our daily performance. Too little sleep tears our nerves and takes away the opportunity to replenish important reserves of strength.
That is why experts have determined the perfect bedtime – and with it the optimal sleep duration. They recommend going to bed at 10:37 p.m. and sleeping through to 7:19 a.m. So about 8.5 hours of sleep. Of course, this is not really practical for most of us – and certainly not every day. But 7-8 hours should already be there. We'll tell you what you can do about insomnia.
5. Reserve one day a week for the family
If you ask old people what they regret most, then it is guaranteed not to have worked too little. No, they often regret not spending enough time with the people they love. And we should take that to heart now, because our loved ones won't always be there.
So plan a day with your family every week. Invite your parents to lunch, go for a walk with your siblings, take the children to the game reserve and marvel at the little deer together.
Pay your grandparents a regular visit and also call your aunt. I'm sure they'd love to hear from you. And of course your partner shouldn't miss out either. After all, he is family too and deserves that you take a day to be with your loved ones in the moment. You will see how good this is for you and how wonderful you can refuel with it.
6. Schedule two hours a week for your best friend
And one more person in particular deserves that you take a little time for him every week. Your best friend. It used to be a matter of course that you would see each other several times a week. Now you only hear from each other sporadically because life got in the way. It shouldn't be like that.
Make an appointment for a fixed evening together during the week, watch your favorite show together, cook together, have a nice meal, talk about your week with a glass of wine, go for a walk together or do sports together. This time should be yours only. What if you live in different cities? No problem. Thanks to Skype and telephone, you can still be very close. This is guaranteed to do you both really good.
7. Produce less waste
Of course, you don't have to switch completely to zero waste right away, but if you pay attention to it, a lot of waste can be avoided. For example, if you always have a cloth bag with you, you never have to buy a plastic bag again, and if you buy unpackaged fruit and vegetables, you save packaging waste there too.
This is not always easy in the supermarket because organic fruit and vegetables are often specially packaged to avoid contamination in the shop. But when you are at the weekly market, you can have your purchases filled directly into your cloth bag. And food that you have to throw away is of course garbage that can be avoided. We'll tell you how.
8. Get socially involved
Do regular social work for other people. Commit to a day when you keep old people company, help at the animal shelter, read to children or sort donated clothes in the local clothing store. Do good to others and to you!
9. Revive an old contact
Do you have an old school friend who you've lost sight of? Was there a specific reason for this? Or did you always get along really well?
If you mourn a friendship that has fizzled: Take the initiative and get in touch with the person. Nowadays that is no longer a problem: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp – there are so many ways to get in touch and stay in touch.
10. Find a new hobby
No, you don't have to buy a horse right now. But surely there is something that you've always wanted to try. Learn a new language? Go climbing? To play minigolf? Learn to knit with our knitting school, start with yoga or take piano lessons. In the new year it's time to broaden your horizons. Once you've taken the first step, it's a lot easier than you think.
11. Schedule time off for me
Time out for me, what is that supposed to be? Well, a stress-free phase, just for you alone. Whether one day a week, an hour a day or a week in a quarter – having time for yourself is just incredibly important. Because far too often you take care of others in everyday life: your friends, your partner, your children …
Plan fixed periods just for yourself in the New Year – for wellness, shopping or just lazing around. Note the dates in the calendar and consider this date as binding for you. You will see: in the long run you will reduce stress and become healthier and more efficient.
Hold on – your resolutions are great!
And – did you choose one or more resolutions? There is no way you will regret quitting a vice or starting a good cause. Rewarding is important! Regardless of whether you have set your own goal or have chosen a resolution from our list: If you've been successful for a few months, celebrate it – with a new item of clothing, a short vacation or a wellness day, for example.
We wish you a lot of perseverance in your resolutions, a great New Year's Eve and a Happy New Year!