RESOLUTIONS YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP

Posted: 15 Jan 2021

By now, we all know that sticking to New Year’s resolutions is hard. In fact, by mid to late January, most of us have already given up on our goals and are back to our old habits. If you fall in that category, don’t worry. There are a few tricks to making healthy, positive resolutions that will stick and you’ll actually want to keep.

First of all, plan resolutions that incorporate fun. If it’s your goal to be more active, you’re more likely to succeed if your resolution is to play outdoor games that you enjoy versus doing an exercise that you dread every day. Or, if your resolution is to spend more time with your family, you’ll have more success if you have games on hand that make that time enjoyable. Turn your resolutions into small, positive steps that make them more manageable and more appealing. No matter what day of the month or year it is…here’s your chance to start fresh with some new resolutions that are fun, good for you and you’ll want to keep for years to come.

1. GET OUTSIDE MORE

Who doesn’t love the feel of fresh air and sunshine on their skin? Being outside is fun and studies show that it’s good for your mental health, as well as your physical health. To make it more convenient, keep all-weather gear in an easy-to-access location by the door. Get a small rack or bin for boots, gloves, sneakers, sunscreen or whatever the current weather calls for. Then, add some interesting outdoor activities to the bin depending on the season like water balloons or jump ropes, kites or sleds, flashlights or frisbees. Resolve to get outside three times a week for thirty minutes each time, trying to increase the minutes and days each week when possible.

Vikings of the Northern Lights, is a great way to get outside with family and friends. All ages can compete in this game that’s part freeze tag and part team sport as they work together to guard, protect and restore the glowing scepter to its full power. Designed to be played in snow or sun, kids can activate their imaginations all year with this magical game.

2. GIVE BACK

Did you know MLK Day is a nationally dedicated day of service?

Planning to volunteer more is a great resolution, but it is often a hard one to carry-out. Look around your community to find ways that you can give back doing something you truly enjoy. If you like to knit, then make blankets for newborn babies in need. If you love coaching soccer, find a community league and ask if you can volunteer. Maybe you get a kick out of organizing things, then see if there is a local clothing bank that could use your time to sort clothes and display them. Or, if your passion is cooking, find a soup kitchen where you can put your skills to use. Volunteering is rewarding and fun when you love what you’re doing.

3. LESS SCREEN TIME

Kids, teens, adults – we ALL spend too much time on our screens (The Social Dilemma, anyone?). Screen time can negatively affect your mental health, your physical health and even your sleep. In the age of COVID, it’s even harder to disconnect. Make it your personal goal to spend less time on your phone this year. Hang out (safely!) in person with your friends, get some books you want to read, take up a new hobby and implement designated screen time. You’ll feel better, we promise.

4. BE MORE ACTIVE

We know, we know. This is one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions. But take a minute to think about why you want to be more active. You’re a lot more likely to stick with it if you want to feel better, not just lose a few pounds.

Being physical active creates endorphins which make you feel good. You just need to find the right kind of physical activity that you look forward to and you’ll want to make it a part of your routine. If you love to walk with friends, but hate to run alone – then find a friend and make a date for a daily walk. If you like to splash around in the pool, but hate swimming laps – then spring for some fun pool games that will get you hopping in the water and moving. (Ahem, we suggest Starlux Pool Party or Starlux Dive Diamonds.) There’s no need to train for a triathlon, unless you really want to. Finding a fun, physical activity that you want to continue will help you keep up with your resolution to being more active each day.

5. MORE FAMILY TIME

Maybe you’ve had more family time than you can handle over the last year or so. But we’d venture to guess that it hasn’t all been good, quality family time. No one wants forced time with family members when half of them are saying “I’m bored” or “when is this over?” Having the right plan or activities can turn another boring movie night into a fun night of memories playing new games or activities. Try Capture the Flag REDUX. It’s the classic game with new, glow-in-the-dark lights.

There’s nothing like a new year to make us realize how precious time is. Don’t wait for the perfect day to start your resolutions. Rain, shine, snow, get out there and do it today.