Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions for 2017? If not, here are some new year’s resolutions worth keeping. We’ve all done the tried and true resolutions, the ones like losing weight and going to the gym more often. Those last a week, maybe more if you’re really ambitious and motivated. But those resolutions usually don’t work. This year, why not try something different? Make a resolution, or two, doing something that is both good for you and easy to incorporate into your everyday life.

These resolutions worth keeping are a great way to put a positive spin on the brand new year.

New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

Connect – It’s easier than ever to connect with loved ones. Whether you use Facetime, social media, text messaging, a hand written letter or the telephone, reach out to those you love and let them know how you feel. Better yet, schedule some time to see these cherished friends and family.

Repair – If you’ve got a strained relationship with a sibling, parent, child or friend, consider burying the hatchet. Of course some relationships should not be repaired, but many should and can with some humility and effort. If your strained relationship is worth repairing then make 2017 the year you start working on it. Repairing relationships takes a lot of work, it does not happen overnight and it’s important to have reasonable expectations. It might even be a good idea to use a professional to help get the process started.

Get Active – Losing weight is great if you need to shed a few pounds, but more important is getting active. Activity is great for the body and even better for the mind. Carve out at least 20 minutes each day for some activity. If you’ve been pretty sedentary, check with your doctor before embarking on a new activity. Walking, jogging, dancing, and biking are all great activities to try if you’re not sure of your fitness level.

Meditate – Taking time out twice a day to meditate is a wonderful way to treat yourself. Meditation can calm anxiety, clear the head, and open you up to new ideas. Wondering if meditation is right for you? Check out these benefits of meditation to find out.

Relax – One of the best resolutions you can do for yourself in 2017 is to learn how to relax. We may not all be able to take a well needed vacation or spend a day at the spa, but it’s still possible to relax even in the most stressful situations. Breathing exercises are a wonderful way to relax. Even just a few minutes of breathing exercises can reduce stress, anxiety and best of all, your elevated heart rate, in a time of stress. Another great way to relax – get a fur baby. Cuddling with a pet is a great stress reducer. Added benefit of a dog – you’ve got to take them for walks.

I hope you had a wonderful New Year’s. Let’s make 2017 our best year yet!