Resolutions for the New Year - The New Horizon Life

A new year brings renewed energy, vigor and hope. It is a special time where we reflect on the past year about the things that transpired, all the successes, setbacks, the moments of beauty, the events that produced growth and provided avenues for learning. The anticipation of things yet to come or that we are yet to achieve gives the drive needed for the ushering of a new year. For some it’s a chance for a new start. It’s a time to let go of what has past and look forward t
For many we begin our year with renewed strength and a hunger to accomplish all the goals and resolutions we set for ourselves but as with the busyness of life, the responsibilities and stresses we face, it slowly quenches the determination we started off with.
Here are some must do resolutions that should become priority and part of your goals for the New Horizon Life in the new year.

EXERCISE

One of the most popular resolutions that people have on there lists is exercise. It’s also a resolution that many begin the new year doing, then as the as the year continues we miss a day here and a another day there, we say I will catch up tomorrow and then tomorrow something comes up and after a few months our drive fades away or we can’t find the time in our schedule for it. By the end of the year it becomes a resolution for the new year ahead. Does this sound familiar to you? Exercise is one resolution that is definitely worth following through to the end of the year.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important commitment you can do for your health. So go ahead, take out that T-shirt, pair of pants or dress that you’ve been wanting to wear for so long. Hang them up where you can see it often. Use it as motivation to accomplish your excising resolution.

Why should you exercise? Regular exercise has so many benefits. Exercise doesn’t have to be done at the gym only. Granted that a lot can be accomplished at a gym, there are many other places where you can get in some good exercise and burn some calories. These include taking a walk or jogging at the park or around the neighborhood or at the board walk, swimming, dancing, skipping (jump ropes), boxing, martial arts, playing sports and so many other activities.

Here are some reasons why you should exercise and the benefits it can have. Exercise helps to lowers stress levels. Sometimes after a long stressful day that work you may find yourself exhausted and feeling burnt out. Going for a walk or a workout session or any of the activities listed above can really help to de-stress and rejuvenate you.

Exercise helps to restore the chemical balance in your body which leaves your motivated, energized and happier. Even if you are facing a difficult season in life, taking an evening walk helps to clear your mind and helps you to think more clearly. Sometimes a change of environment can help to relax, clear your head and give you the strength you need to keep pressing on.

Another reason why you should exercise is the mere fact that it helps to manage weight gain or weight loss. Whether you are wanting to lose some of that holiday weight, get back into shape or to add some body mass, exercise is one of the keys to doing so. Exercise is so versatile that it doesn’t have to be a done at the gym. Choose options that are right for you, stick with it and watch your body transform for the better.

EAT HEALTHIER

The phrase your health is your wealth is quite true. As we get older in life we realize the true benefits of eating healthy. As you are reading this today make the decision that this is going to be a resolution that is a must do for the new year. Cultivating a healthy eating lifestyle takes patience and perseverance, especially at the beginning if you are not used to it. However overtime your taste preferences changes and the things that you crave which are not always healthy to eat decreases. Many lifestyle diseases that are common in society today really stems from lifestyle choices. Make a conscious decision to eat healthy can. Imagine the risk of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and even cancers can be lowered by eating a well balanced diet. If you are looking to lose weight, then eating a balanced meal and making healthy food choices can help to shed those pounds you’ve been wanting to lose. Many fruits and vegetables are lower in calories and adds to the benefit of weight loss. I encourage you to make eating healthy a priority this new year.

HIT THE RIGHT NUMBERS

While this may sound like winning the lottery it’s way better. Take necessary steps to ensure that your vitals such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and many other critical numbers are well managed. These numbers are essential to ensuring that you live a long and healthy life. You may say that there is little you can control with respect to your health. While not all health conditions are in our control, I assure that the blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels is something that most people can manage and control. When was the last time you checked any of these numbers? Take an active role in your own life. If you don’t make a conscious decision to look after yourself then no one is going to force you to. It is all up to you. This new year, make the decision to taking better care of yourself.

START AN EMERGENCY FUND

Let’s face it, life can be unpredictable. The Covid pandemic can definitely teach us something. We must prepare for a rainy day. It may not come at all but is better to be prepared than failing to prepare. An emergency fund is one of the resolutions that are a must in the new year. It is an essential part of financial planning. It is a cash reserve that you accumulate over time with the specific purpose of covering the cost for unforeseen expenses and financial emergencies. These may include but are not limited to medical expenses, job retrenchment, electronic repairs, car repairs. Should an event unfortunate event, having an emergency account acts as a buffer so that you do not end up in debt. You may say that you don’t earn enough or that your income is just not enough to be able to tuck some away into an emergency account. While it can be challenging to do, I want to encourage you to make the sacrifice and commit to putting aside some of your income, no matter how small . It might be challenging to do now, but in the event that something should happen you can have peace of mind knowing that you have some funds tucked away. One of the leading experts in building an emergency fund is Dave Ramsey. Feel free to read the article A Guide to Your Emergency Fund for more insight. It’s time to get cracking. Starting building your emergency fund today.

GET OUT OF DEBT

Debt is one of the things that can really prevent you from really enjoying life to the fullest. Part of being financially stable is to get out of debt as quickly as possible. While there are some debts that are unavoidable and are necessary such as taking out a mortgage on a home or student loans or covering medical expenses, there are some debts that may not be necessary. It is important to note that paying out debt in the shortest amount of time . This requires discipline and at times sacrifice. Additionally, it will involve having to spend less to increase cash in hand. Check out the following article to find out ways on How to Keep Money. Other times paying off debt quickly can be done by increasing your income. This can take the form of getting a second job or having a side hustle. If you are in debt, take a deep breath, don’t panic or be overwhelmed. Start small and keep chipping away at your debts through repayments. You will accomplish it. Hang in there and do not give up!

FORGIVE AND LET GO.

Moving ahead becomes more difficult when we are anchored to the past. It prevents us from really enjoying and living life to the fullest. One of the resolutions that are a must in the new year is letting go of the past. This is easier said than done. The things you may have experienced can be an anchor or a stepping stone. When we choose to forgive, it brings us on step closer to moving on. Forgiving is the scissors that snips the chord that is tied to the anchor that is sinking us. When that chord is snipped, it brings freedom, joy and a renewal in our lives. Since it’s the beginning of a new year, I cannot think of a better time to forgive and let go. Raise your expectations for great things this coming year.

LAUGH MORE OFTEN

The saying laughter is good for the soul is not so far fetched after all. Find time to unwind and relax each day. Find an easy to watch sitcom and use it as a means of distressing. There are many clean funny videos you can find on YouTube. Perhaps you have friends with a good sense of humor. Surround yourself with positive people who possesses the ability to make others laugh. Medical science has discovered that laughter increases the endorphin levels (happy hormones) in the human body and significantly lower. By lowering negative hormones in the body it means that you will be happier, full or zeal and even add a pep in your step. On those rough days that life can bring, even ten minutes of laughter can lift the heaviness and revive our spirits.

SPEND MORE TIME WITH LOVED ONES

Life is such a fragile gift. We a but a vapor which is here for an instant and then gone the next moment. I encourage you to cherish those that are around you. Spend time with your family as much as you can. Make it a priority. Let them know that you love and appreciate them. Thank those who have helped to shape your life., who took care of you, who raised you, who supported you and those who have had a role in you becoming the person you are today. Don’t wait until it’s too late to say thank you to your parents, brother, sister, friend, teacher or even the next door neighbors. You may say that you have the worst family ever. Ask yourself this question, would you have any regrets if something was to happen? Don’t wait until it’s to late to. For those of you who are parents, a resolution that is a must for the new year is spending time with your kids. This is so important. Spend quality time with them especially in the developmental stages of their lives. Let them know that you love them and that you are proud of them. As you spend time with them teach them them things, tell them stories about your life, the grandparents. Give them your attention before someone or something else grabs theirs. Set the rules for family, at dinner, game night, family devotions, no devices are allowed. The time we invest in those we love brings an abundance of joy not only now but for years to come.

Spend Time Praying to God

As I begin the final resolution that are a must for the new year, Let me start off with a question. When was the last time you prayed? Is there a few minutes in your schedule for prayer? Sometimes we go through life, our busy days and somehow forget to include God in our schedule. I am guilty of that too. However, we should purpose in our hearts to make God priority. As we cast our burdens, our cares, our worries, our fears, He is able to take us through another year. He will continue to look over us, provide for us and to lead us into the plan and purpose He has for our life. He never fails.