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5 New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Want to Keep

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We doubt there’s a single person who isn’t guilty of breaking one (or all) of their New Year’s resolutions by January 31 — after all, we’re only human, and avoiding drinks during the week/exercising more/taking lunch to work every day is tough. So, instead of making the same old oaths this year, why not pledge your commitment to a couple of small resolutions you’ll actually want to keep.

1. Eat the chocolate.

We all know strict diets that eliminate entire food groups or restrict calorie intake are a recipe for long-term disaster. Instead, apply the 80:20 rule to your diet. By eating healthily 80 percent of the time and indulging in your favorite treats for the rest, you’re more likely to stick to an overall healthier diet in the long-run and stop feeling guilty that you’re (supposedly) failing.

2. Make one small change for your body.

Sure, upping our time in the gym isn’t going to do us any harm, but in lieu of extra workout sessions, the very least we can do for our bodies is try to improve our posture.

Slouching, looking down too much (thanks, smartphone), and sitting for long periods of time can cause scoliosis, tension headaches, and back pain, and can even influence emotional states and sensitivity to pain.

3. Read more good news.

We don’t have to look hard to find bad news — our social media feeds are inundated on the daily. But it’s important to read (and share) the inspiring and heartwarming stories that take place around the world in a bid to not become overwhelmed with grief fatigue. Sunny Skyz and Good News Network are two sites dedicated solely to uplifting news.

4. Reset your password.

Speaking of happy vibes, take a leaf out of tennis champion Serena Williams’ book and make your passwords positive affirmations. The superstar told Wired about her life-changing technique: “Back in 2008 when I was competing in the US Open, I would keep little ‘match books,’ where I’d write affirmations to myself and read them during matches. It worked pretty well. But before long I found an even better way to inspire myself: I started using affirmations as the passwords to my phone and computer. You should try it. You’ll be surprised how many times a day you log in and have an opportunity to trigger that positivity.”

5. Buy more shoes.

Or skirts! Or jackets! Well, sort of. Instead of impulse shopping and ending up with duplicates of things you already have (hello, striped T-shirts), take inventory of your wardrobe and discover what items of clothing you’re lacking. That way when the (inevitable) urge to shop pops up, you can focus on items that will round out your existing wardrobe.

This article was originally written by Now to Love editors. For more, check out our sister site, Now to Love.

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