6 Resolutions to Make for Less Stress This Year

2024 is now solidly underway, and many of us are facing the reality that our resolutions were likely a little too ambitious to start the year with. This article seeks to offer six resolutions that might be more reasonable and can make a big difference in your life. Taking some time before January ends can help you reevaluate what life is going to look like for you this year and give you a chance to think about what you want out of your life for the remaining eleven months. While these resolutions will take some effort, making them a part of your life will help you feel happier and less stressed day to day.

Take Care of Yourself Physically

The first resolution on our list is to take care of yourself physically. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping enough. A healthy body is better equipped to handle stress. Studies have shown consistently that there are clear links between your mental well-being and the amount of physical exercise you get regularly. However, lest you go and stress yourself out over the need to eat better and lose weight, remember that any effort you put toward being healthier is a good effort. If that looks like parking farther from the store when you go shopping, great! If that means setting a budget (caloric or fiscal) for how much you eat regularly, that’s amazing! Starting where you are is the best way to succeed, and allowing yourself all year to improve will set you on a path toward better overall health.

Plan to Save Money

Money is one of the biggest causes of stress in our lives. An excellent way to reduce financial stress is to plan to save money. Set up automatic savings plans so that money is put into your account before you see it. Create a budget and stick to it. Limit impulse purchases and try to live below your means. Many of us find ourselves living paycheck to paycheck, which can be a hard place to get out of. Keep track of all the places you’re spending money regularly, and you can often identify the places money slips out of your wallet without your notice. If you make the honest effort to evaluate your spending habits, you’ll be able to work up to a savings amount that will continue to grow over time. Whether you’re hitting $100 or $100,000 in the bank, having money saved will help you stress less about what life can throw at you.

Get an Insurance Policy

Another way to reduce financial stress is to get sufficient insurance. Most companies will offer a health insurance plan to their full-time employees, and some companies even have more comprehensive insurance offers. Signing up and understanding your coverage will make a huge difference in the amount of stress you carry about your well-being. If you can’t get insurance through your work, looking around for independent insurance agencies can still provide you with a policy that will save your bacon in case of an emergency. Whether you’re getting just health and car insurance or can afford renters or home insurance, having protection against whatever misfortune 2024 might have in store will help you be at ease from day to day.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. You can practice mindfulness by meditating, doing yoga, or taking a few minutes daily to breathe deeply and focus on the present. If you’ve never tried mindfulness exercises before and aren’t sure where to start or what to do, ask a friend or family member for advice. Go to a class, research online, and experiment with what works for you. Whatever form it takes, being more mindful of your feelings and experiences will help you be calm, collected, and stable going forward.

Simplify Your Life

Many of us lead overly complicated and busy lives, which can lead to stress and burnout. A good resolution for this year is to simplify your life. This can mean reducing the number of activities you participate in, limiting your social media time, or decluttering your home. Instead of planning activities every night, schedule time to be with yourself. If you’re wondering where to start, it might be helpful to look at your budget; there are many expenses associated with activities, services, or subscriptions that you might realize aren’t necessary on a second glance. When you simplify your life, you free up time and space for the things that matter, which can help you feel more relaxed.

Connect with Others

Finally, connecting with others is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Spending time with family and friends can help us feel connected and supported. Join a group or club that interests you to meet new people and expand your social circle. Reach out to an aunt or cousin you haven’t chatted with in a while, or look up a friend from college or high school. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with others and give back to your community. The measure of a well-lived life is in the connections you make along the way, so if you’re feeling disconnected, resolve to find new friends this year.

Final Thoughts on Resolutions for Less Stress

In conclusion, making resolutions that help us stress less is a great way to start the year. The six resolutions we discussed – taking care of yourself physically, planning to save money, getting an insurance policy, practicing mindfulness, simplifying your life, and connecting with others – can profoundly impact your life and well-being if you commit to them. Remember, it is important to start small and be consistent. Don’t try to tackle all these resolutions at once, but instead, choose one or two that resonate with you and start working on them. You’ll be surprised at how much difference it can make!