New Year's Eve is a time to look back and reflect, and then more importantly,
look forward to the coming year. It's a time to think about the things we'd like
to change, and then resolve to follow through on those changes.
Here is a list of the top ten New Years Resolutions. Did yours make this top
ten list?
1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls show that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved
ones and spend more time with family and friends. Make plans to meet up with
friends for an evening of comaraderie at a favorite restaurant or take the
family to one of these popular places for family fun. Leave work alone this round.
2. Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more
health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces
the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight
loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short,
exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this
the time to start getting in shape for a popular Area Charity Walk, Run or Ride?
3. Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent
studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular
New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two
most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success
for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra
pounds.
4. Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit,
over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier
access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed,
don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit
for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life! There are a variety of
free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the
smoking habit.
5. Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that
"enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important
step to a happier and healthier you! Consider a holistic healing center for products
designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something
new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or
head to the local spa. Most major metropolitan area offer a wealth of artistic and
recreational activities to meet just about anyone's wishes.
6. Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are
not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers
fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to
moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a
world of help and support available. Alcoholics Anonymous offers meetings throughout
most metropolitan areas. There is also a group for Parents of Teenage Alcohol and Drug
Abusers. There are also a number of treatment-based programs, as well as support groups
for families of alcoholics.
7. Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life this past year? Join the millions who have
resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will
repay itself many times over in the year ahead.
8. Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are
considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your
computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one
of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Most Community Colleges
offer a wide variety of "lifelong learning" courses, and local YMCA's offer great
recreational training for beginners of all ages. They also offer distance and adult
education programs throught the internet. Or maybe the arts are more your thing, look
for Arts programs that also offer adult studio classes.
