5 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for Happier Living

It’s a fresh year and a fresh start – a new year gives us all the opportunity to make changes in our lives. Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions that will make you happier in 2018.

1. Take a digital detox

Many of us can no longer focus on a simple task without reaching for our phones. Set aside 30 minutes a day for technology breaks and unplug from all your devices – computer, iPad, laptop, phone etc. Temporarily disengaging from emails, social media, and the internet is a wonderful way to recharge.

2. Plan a holiday

A Wisconsin study showed lower levels of tension and depression among women who took holidays more frequently (once or twice a year) versus those who vacationed less often. In fact, it turns out that even simply anticipating a holiday can boost happiness for weeks, according to a Dutch study.

3. Walk more

Walking 10,000 steps a day (or about 5 miles) is a low-impact way to improve your health. Download a free app to help you keep track of your daily steps. A study from the University of East Anglia found that those who switched from driving to walking or cycling to work benefited from improved well-being.

4. Develop a sleep schedule

People who sleep for eight to nine hours a night tend to wake up happier. Get on a regular sleep schedule and your body will adjust, increasing the chances you’ll rest longer. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.

5. Learn something new

Learning is a core need for our psychological well-being; it can help us build confidence and a sense of self-efficacy. That doesn’t mean we have to go back to school. You could take up a new hobby, learn a new language, or learn how to play an instrument. If a higher education or a degree has been your New Year’s resolution, you can still achieve it with online studies.