As we enter the new year, every person across the globe waits with great anticipation, hoping that the incoming year will create a spark of positive change. The idea of New Year’s resolutions isn’t new; it is an age-old tradition offering a fresh opportunity and a chance to turn a new leaf. There are resolutions to get healthier, develop new skills, and just take a little more time for yourself. You should definitely make 2025 your finest year yet, so here are 12 resolutions that could motivate you to change your life through the next 12 months.

    1. Going to the Gym: 

Many people want to head to the gym in the New Year, but only a fraction are able to stay committed. As a 3 sport student-athlete I am constantly physically and mentally active, so balancing the gym can get difficult. The way I balance the gym in between my tight schedule is going after my practice. If I already lift after my practice as a team my goal to go to the gym for the day is already completed. It’s not just about muscle gain or weight loss, but about building a supportive routine of good health and wellness. Go for activities that you take joy in–anything from weightlifting or swimming to group fitness classes. Start small, set some achievable goals to prevent burn-out, and maintain your motivation. Fitness is a journey and not a destination, so it is very important to appreciate small victories along the way. 

2. Reading More Books:

Reading is one of the best ways to relax and increase knowledge. Simple fiction lets you escape reality which can help relieve mental agony and increase mental health; nonfiction teaches skills that you could use in everyday life or even teaches you about someone else’s life which can be relieving at times. Reading books is a huge thing that helps me relax, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. Making this resolution, you’ll read more books, and you’ll be committed to more personal growth. Set a certain number of books in a year that you would like to read, a very fitting challenge that will allow you to explore new genres and authors. You could even join a book club to share this experience with other readers.

3. Learning a New Skill: 

Besides increasing your confidence, learning something new keeps the brain sharp. Learning a language, playing an instrument, or even taking up photography has its way of opening new opportunities. A new skill can take time and patience, as growth doesn’t happen overnight. Set aside at least an hour each week to practice, focus on getting better that day and increasing your understanding of that skill for that day. For example: cooking. I personally love cooking. I find it a fun and interesting way to try different combinations of food and see how my family likes them. Cooking at home saves money, but it also gives you nutritional control. Learn a few basic recipes, then try more complicated dishes as your confidence grows. Cooking is a life-saving skill that can bring people together, whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion. 

4. Practicing Gratitude:

It is easy to overlook the things that we are grateful for in a world full of distractions and challenges. The practice of gratitude can change one’s outlook on mental health and happiness. You might want to consider keeping a gratitude journal in which you pen three things you are thankful for each day. Even though I practice gratitude every day in different ways, I want to do more. Keeping a more constant pace of thankfulness will help you be able to see things positively and feel fulfilled. In addition to that, it will enable you to ride rough waters with a more optimistic attitude.

5. Traveling More:

Traveling often tops many people’s list of New Year’s resolutions, which makes sense. It’s a great way to experience a new culture, cuisine, and landscape. I’ve always wanted to visit different geographical sceneries. I think those landscapes bring happiness and relief to me. Even if a big international trip isn’t a possibility, there are plenty of local, entertaining, relaxing places you can go to. You can create amazing memories, and give yourself the opportunity to expand your comfort zone and allow new experiences to enter your life. Whether it’s a weekend or a holiday, make this the year to travel and explore more. 

6. Volunteering:

Making a difference in the lives of others can be massively rewarding for those you help and also for you. Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back to your community and make a change. From volunteering at a local shelter to mentoring a young person to contributing to the causes you believe in, every little bit helps. I volunteer as much as possible. I may not find the time all the time, but there is always room in my life to help someone in need. Through volunteering, you bring people together, learn of new views, and experience something beyond yourself. This year, make a point to contribute some of your time toward giving back.

7. Reducing Screen Time: 

It can be tempting to spend hours scrolling social media or bingeing shows in this digital age. Less screen time helps you regain that time to work on your mindset. I like to reduce my screen time by setting how many hours I get for the day on my phone settings. This helps me stay focused when needed for school work or even when at important events. Start setting boundaries. For instance, don’t use screens during meals, limit the time you spend on social media, etc. You can utilize this extra time to pursue your hobbies, exercise or spend quality time with family members. Decreasing screen time can also improve sleep quality and allow more walking into a life lived with intention.

8. Getting Organized:

Clutter is overwhelming and stressful. Organizing your living space, work space, or electronic space allows you to declutter your mind while creating a productive environment. Work over one segment at a time, whether it’s your closet, kitchen, or desk. Also, creating systems to manage storing things and making paper work is another way to put your mind at ease. I personally can’t work in a messy area or sleep in a messy room. I try to keep my workspace and bedroom as clean as possible to be able to focus as much as possible and feel clean. An organized space allows for calmness and control, which in turn can enhance your productivity and well-being.

9.Building Stronger Relationships and Prioritizing Mental Health:

By learning to appreciate your mental health, you’ll find a way to nurture stronger connections with your friends, family, and partners into a more complete and worthy life. Mindfulness, meditation, or therapy is a great way to build emotional resilience and self-care. Alongside this journey is a conscious step toward nurturing a solid and healthy connection with family, friends, and partners. I always try to make time for my family and make sure my relationship with everyone is good and positive. I have a strong connection with my mom so I know building stronger relationships is a huge part of life. Usually, work obligations and daily hassles weaken these interactions, making it easy for you to simply connect with someone once in a while or even forget altogether. Healthy relationships offer the necessary support system that increases one’s social network and overall well-being. Making sure to take breaks, set boundaries, or engage in activities that bring you joy not only benefits your mental health but also frees up ways to invest eagerly into the relations that remain most significant in your life. 

10. Becoming More Environmentally Friendly:

It seems with this technologically-based generation, the peaceful sense of nature is also forgotten. Hiking, picnics, or merely a normal park stroll all make for the positive functioning of our mental and biological state. Make a resolution this year to get out more, whether that means unhooking from devices or truly appreciating the surrounding beauty. As the years pass and concerns about the planet grow, many individuals are looking for ways to live more sustainably but tend to be distracted by technology. You can do many things to change your local environment. Try reducing waste, conserving water, and making environmentally friendly choices to protect the environment. Start with reusable bags, cut down on single-use plastics, and recycle a lot more. Small changes can go a long way, and every little helps in preserving this earth for future generations.

11. Practicing Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the trait of being there in the moment and not drifting into the past or future any longer. It is a very simple practice that, when applied, will make one a better thinker, finder of emotional balance, and a well-rounded person. The greater the number of moments with mindfulness, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the socially small but truly important moments. Mindfulness will help you to become more grounded in your stressful situations and not so reactive.

12. Reducing Stress:

Although stress is an unavoidable aspect of life, you don’t have to let it control you. You can better handle stress by scheduling time to rest and decompress. Your physical and emotional well-being can be enhanced by learning how to manage stress, whether it be through yoga, deep breathing techniques, or taking regular breaks. You may maintain your composure, concentration, and center by incorporating stress-relieving activities into your everyday routine. Aim to become more aware of your stressors and discover constructive coping mechanisms in the upcoming year. A good night’s sleep is vital to health and can help reduce stress, but many people are struggling to get enough rest. This year, focus on improving your sleep habits. Establish a bedtime routine, limit caffeine intake, and reduce screen time before bed. Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to rest, with a comfortable mattress and cool, dark surroundings. Prioritizing sleep will improve your mood, energy levels, and productivity throughout the day.

As you set your New Year’s resolutions, remember above all that the secret to success is consistency and compassion for yourself. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Some days will be easier than others, but every step you take toward your goals counts. From being healthy to learning something new to spending more time with loved ones-the opportunities for growth and self-improvement are countless. The new year is an opportunity to start over, so make the best of it by making resolutions that are committed to who you are and who you want to be. Start your journey, with faith that every small change would lead to a great transformation.