Given the way holidays tend to speed by, Jan. 1 will be here before you can say “No binge-watching in 2017!” So all the better to decide on those resolutions now, while the new year is still a fresh, clean slate. And for those who naysay this time-honored practice, consider this article by Associate Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, Dr. Ed de St. Aubin, who argues that resolutions “force us to consider what we value most and they help to structure our time.” He suggests that “we use the new year’s resolution ritual as a time of both reflection — ‘what worked well in my life this past year?’ — and of values clarification. Our resolutions should be congruent with what we most value — with those experiences that give our lives meaning.” And so, with the wish for a very meaningful 2017, we offer a few suggestions to get you started.
Health and fitness figure high on many people’s list of resolutions, especially after a season of feasting. If you live at Stepping Stone™, you probably already take advantage of the pool, parks and seven miles of trails. And the many community activities, which include swimming and a bike parade, for example, at the Red, White and Blue Festival and the mad dash for eggs (often in the snow) at the Spring Eggstravaganza. See photos here. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you may already have read this post about other ways Coloradans get moving in winter such as yoga, tubing, and dogsledding.
Another good source of ideas is Stepping Stone’s Healthy and Fit Pinterest board. On it, you’ll find all kinds of specific suggestions for healthy activities and foods. This pin explains how to build good habits one 30-day challenge at a time. In other words, how to stick with it in each stage, from “unbearable” to “uncomfortable” to “unstoppable.” If your resolution is to cook more healthy meals at home, take a look at these 30 Healthy Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes (Or Less).
And here’s a printable poster of workouts you can do at home with no equipment.
But there’s a whole world of ideas online for starting off fresh in 2017. This article offers 50 resolutions to consider, complete with links to useful articles with specific how-tos for accomplishing them. For example, if you’d like to read more in the coming year, the article explains how to discover your favorite type of books and the big issue, how to find more time to read.
If you want this to be the year you bust out of your comfort zone, check out this travel blogger’s post, 12 Resolutions to Be More Adventurous in the New Year.
These are deceptively simple shifts, but with possibly profound consequences. Here are some examples: “Say ‘YES’ to new activities,” such as paddle boarding, or anything you think you don’t like. “Go somewhere new every weekend.” “Make new friends.” “Learn a new language,” and “Book a last-minute trip somewhere.” With the last one, the author discovered the joy of not over-planning a vacation down to every meal and letting serendipity do its thing. That’s making room for adventure in your life.
Finally, consider kicking off 2017 with these Colorado-specific, outdoorsy activities.
Each one would be a lovely way to spend New Year’s Day or Eve, while fulfilling your resolutions to have fun, be outside, and do something new. Hike to the brightly illuminated Boulder Star on Flagstaff Mountain. Snowshoe to a backcountry yurt. Or take a dip in a hot spring you’ve never visited before.
Come on, 2017 is almost here. What are you waiting for?
