10 Unexpected New Year's Resolutions That Will Actually Make Your Life Better (Less dieting, more therapy in 2021)
2020 has been… a year, which makes getting a fresh start in 2021 feel super appealing. For some people, that might mean making a New Year’s resolution that helps them get the year started on the right foot. Thing is, traditional New Year’s resolutions usually fail. Turns out, our brains are just not into making swift, abrupt changes to our habits.
So instead of going for the typical diet, exercise, or financial overhaul-style resolution, why not try something a little different this year? We’ve got a bunch of suggestions for you below, but here’s how to evaluate any potential resolution you come up with, according to Kate Morton, a registered dietitian and founder of Funk It Wellness.
When creating resolutions, Morton recommends asking yourself questions like:
How do you want to feel? Will this resolution get you closer to that?
What energy do you want to create? Will this resolution give you that type of energy?
Are you operating from a place of restriction, or abundance? Does this resolution involve taking away things you like?
Would you recommend this resolution to your younger sister or best friend?
How will this resolution impact you five, 10, or 15 years from now?
With that, here’s what experts recommend considering for your 2021 New Year’s resolution.
6. Tackle your email inbox.
No need to get to inbox zero if that’s not your thing. But most people have gone through some foundational shifts since the pandemic began. “The person you were back in March, more than likely, is not the person you are now,” says Monisha Bhanote, M.D., FCAP, an integrative physician.
Her argument: Now is a great time to evaluate what’s serving you and what isn’t, and your email inbox is a great place to start, especially if you have thousands of unread emails. If your email is loaded with advertisements for stores you no longer shop at, newsletters and notifications you don’t read, or follow up emails from webinars, seminars, or courses you’ll never take—use that unsubscribe function. “The reason I highly suggest this is for your own mental well-being,” Bhanote says. “The overwhelm of seeing the little mail icon on your phone and the number of unread emails can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Place value on your time, energy, and overall well-being and continue that trend well into the new year.” Click to read all 10 resolutions below.