Have you made a New Year’s resolution for 2022? 80% of people give up on their New Year’s resolution by the second week of February,[1] but you can beat the odds. New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to trade bad habits for good ones, but sticking to them can be difficult. Some people take on too grand a goal to realistically keep up with throughout the year. Here are some realistic things you can resolve to do in 2022.
Spend More Time Outside
Spending time outside has many health benefits. A recent study suggests that being outside in a green space may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.[2] In Japan, “forest bathing” is popular among those who want to de-stress and experience the health benefits of being around trees. Getting out usually means doing a bit of exercise, whether for a run or just a leisurely walk. It’s also a good way to get active and stay active, no matter how much exercise you normally do.
Get Enough Sleep
Are you looking to lose weight, reduce stress, or generally be healthier in 2022? Getting enough sleep could be the key to achieving all of these. Research shows that getting enough sleep can make it easier to avoid cravings for unhealthy foods. There are studies linking lack of sleep to increased stress and even increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Experts recommend getting up and going to sleep around the same time every night and avoiding screens for at least half an hour before going to bed.[3]
Set Realistic Goals
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. The same goes for New Year’s resolutions. If you set an unrealistic goal, you likely won’t meet it. Frustration can be a major obstacle to achieving a goal, as can resolving to do something you absolutely hate. If your goal is to work out more, there are many options besides the treadmill if you find it too boring – like swimming, yoga, and dance. If having an active retirement is your goal this year, remain patient with yourself throughout the year and don’t abandon the goal after a relapse.
If you have financial goals for 2022, we can help you create a plan now. It doesn’t pay to put off figuring out your finances, so resolve to do so this year. Whether you’re looking to retire this year or not, Juniper Wealth Management can help you create a plan for the long term. We offer no-cost, no-obligation financial reviews so that we can meet face-to-face and learn more about your specific financial planning needs – Click HERE to sign up for a time to meet us.
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2020/01/12/reasons-why-we-dont-achieve-resolutions/?sh=d14b01e41a87