4 New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep!

2016 is drawing to a close, and it’s time to focus on how to make 2017 your best year ever! Skip the daunting, time-consuming resolutions this year and pick a few you can actually keep. Here are a few ideas for things you can do to enhance your life, increase your productivity, and boost your health, all without having to meet wildly unrealistic expectations.

You Do You- It’s easy to compare yourself to that acquaintance, family member, or friend who seems to have it all together. You know the one- everything seems to come easily to this individual, from the clean house to the well-dressed kids to the perfectly groomed hair and spectacular outfit. Do yourself a favor and make a list of things you like about YOU, not things you wish to change to be more like someone else. After all, who knows? The person you long to be more like may secretly wish he or she had YOUR life instead!

Just Say Yes- Instead of a knee-jerk “no” reaction to an invitation or opportunity you don’t think is for you, try to sprinkle a little “yes”into your life. A live jazz concert on a Wednesday night? A camping trip in a national park? Skydiving? Whatever life throws at you, try to answer with a “yes” more often than you normally would (as long as it’s legal) and you’ll be amazed where your adventure may take you!

Breathe- As anyone balancing work, kids, hobbies and everyday chores can tell you, life can get pretty hectic from time to time. And while it’s all well and good to talk about being mindful and appreciating the little things, you need to practice what you preach in order to reap the benefits of a calm, happy life. Start by just breathing- a few deep breaths in times of stress or anger can help trigger the much-needed, little-used “Pause” button on your life and help you assess what’s really important before you react.

Drink Your Veggies- Do you hate vegetables? It’s OK, lots of people do. Can’t find time to cook healthy, well-balanced meals? That’s still no excuse to eat unhealthy, fattening foods- all you need is some produce and a standard blender to make yourself a healthy, filling fruit and veggie smoothie that you can enjoy on your way to work. Not only can the delicious medley of fruits and vegetables give you a non-caffeinated morning boost of energy, but these low-cal smoothies eat like a meal and are perfect for on the go! You’ll be amazed at how tasty they can be (pro tip: add more bananas to mask that “green” flavor), and your body will love you for it!

What are your resolutions for 2017? Tell us in the Comments section.