New Year’s resolutions are a staple in our lives. Every year the cycle repeats. We set a list of goals, follow it for a month or so, and then eventually forget about them. The end of the year rolls around and we come up with new goals to achieve.
Oftentimes, we make the mistake of setting goals that are too ambitious. This year, why not try something simpler—something that will help improve your life in small ways? It’s time for a new outlook on New Year’s resolutions. So, here are six simple goals you could try!
1. Create a budgeting sheet
Some of us have a tendency to overspend. We see little products, or food that we want, and indulge ourselves too often. For those of you that are chronic shoppers, try creating a budgeting sheet for yourself! This way, you can still spend on gifts for yourself, but also set a limit to ensure your money doesn’t fly away again.
2. Set aside time to exercise
We tend to get caught up in the busyness of life, leaving ourselves with no time for anything else. This new year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your timetable, and slot in little spaces of time to exercise and stretch. Doing a five-minute stretch every hour is enough to improve your health too, so just try to exercise a little more in the new year.
3. Start a new hobby
New year, a new hobby! Clear space for yourself, enjoy your own time and take up a new hobby just to enjoy. Whether it’s knitting, reading or even photography, you can find something you have fun doing, and just spend time on your own to relax. This way, you pick up a new skill, while simultaneously doing what you love.
You never know—trying new things often leads to meeting new people. Perhaps you’ll discover an entire community centred around crocheting and find a tight-knit group of friends. It’s always good to take a leap of faith into a new venture.
4. Cultivate a healthy sleep schedule
We know you like to stay up late, all cosy in bed while watching YouTube, or scrolling through Instagram. Well this new year, instead of doom-scrolling or binge-watching TV shows late into the night, you should try setting a healthy sleep schedule. Staying awake into the wee hours of the morning isn’t a healthy habit to have, and everyone needs a good night’s rest.
You should set a specific time to go to sleep, and whenever possible, adhere to your self-imposed deadline! This way, you not only improve your self-discipline, but you get to wake up well-rested every day, and ready to take on new challenges. Overall, you’ll have a better mood after sweet dreams, rather than waking up cranky, first thing in the morning.
5. Eat less junk food
Eating healthy is an ever-present goal, but just because it’s a common resolution, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include it in your list. It’s always good to work on your physical health. Even if you don’t follow a strict diet, or eat particular types of food, it’ll be great to cut down on the amount of junk food you consume. You don’t really need that bag of chips anyway. Try eating a bowl of fruits like blueberries instead, if you ever need a snack!
6. Drink more water
Being the last resolution on this list doesn’t make it the least important. Drinking more water. It’s a simple action, yet one that is overlooked so easily. Some have gone a month without drinking water before, and it is not a fun experience. So enter the new year feeling refreshed and stay hydrated for the rest of 2025 (and beyond).
Don’t worry if you haven’t started making a list of resolutions yet. Even though it’s customary to do it towards the beginning of the year, these are goals that can be achieved all year round! So take your time to properly think through what you’d like to do this year, instead of rushing to just produce a list that you’re not really motivated to complete.
Janae Lee contributed to this article.
