Around the holidays and especially during New Year's, everyone declares a resolution that he or she plans on keeping. Only, few people actually do. We've all had our own encounters with some far-reaching, unrealistic goals: lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks, pay off all our credit card debt by the spring, never eat chocolate again…you name it.

This time around, try setting goals that are realistic and reasonable. Check out some resolution ideas that are easy to both manage and keep. Come year's end, not only will you have achieved a goal or two, you won't find yourself where you started last year—at square one!

Save on energy costs

Washing your clothes? Brushing your teeth? Doing the dishes? Use cold water instead. It's one of the easiest and most effective household changes you can incorporate toward your goal. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Reducing the amount used means big savings, not only on your energy bills, but also in carbon dioxide emissions. You'll be saving your wallet and the planet.

Keep it simple

Instead of making a laundry list of promises to yourself, try choosing just a couple. If your goal is to boost your health and well-being, try starting a single new healthy habit. Focus on it and practice it until it becomes a regular habit. For instance, tell yourself that you will drink 5-8 glasses of water a day, climb 50 stairs, eat at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables. This way, you'll be able to channel your efforts into a single task, instead of many, and won't get overwhelmed in the process.

Indulge-n-Pamper night

Dedicate at least one night a month to pamper yourself. We all can use a good treat every now and again. Treating yourself to something you enjoy is both fulfilling and relaxing. Give yourself a home facial, paint your fingernails and toenails, take a long bath with bubbles and relaxing music, whatever you like. Just make sure to set aside time to do the things that relax you the most. You'll feel recharged and rejuvenated in doing so!

Family face-time

We can all afford to spend more time with the ones we love. But often we find it difficult to schedule enough time to do so. Make it a priority to set aside certain times throughout the week for friends and family. Set up a night during the week to play board games with your kids. Organize social activities with your friends that all parties enjoy: going out to eat, cooking a meal together, watching a movie, jogging, etc. Making the commitment to dedicate time to loved ones shows your appreciation for them and vice-versa.
 
Remember, when setting resolutions, the goal should be to try to make them measurable, achievable, and realistic. So go ahead, set, plan, act, and stick to it this year. You can do it!

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