As 2024 approaches it is the time to create the dreaded resolutions. These goals we all set at the beginning of the year that tend to fade as we get closer to the end for many reasons. This article will highlight three very popular resolutions and has tips on how to make the task fun, inexpensive and flexible. 

 

The first resolution to tackle is to get healthier which comes up around us at least once and seems to be a challenge to achieve because of prices and motivation. 

Finding walking groups is one of the easiest ways to gain exercise. Kent’s most popular walking group is the Ramblers who can be found all over the county with memberships from £3.42 per month for one adult and it means you can go on countless walks and make new friends. Of course walking can also be free with local parks and walking trails with family, friends, pets or individually, it is the easiest way to start getting healthy. 

Growing your own veg is not only the best way to know where your food is coming from but also can be fun and inexpensive. Of course an allotment creates a wider range of plants to grow however they can be expensive for some so simply growing some in a garden or a plant pot can make all the difference. 

Finally, finding an activity for YOU. One of the biggest challenges with resolutions is the motivation to maintain the goal so finding the activity that is right for you can make all the difference. In Kent there is a wide range of activities for all ages. You could join a club and partake in sports such as cricket, football, tennis and rock climbing which also has a social side to it, or you could stay at home and take part in online dance lessons or yoga fitness. No matter what it is as long as you are enjoying it, you will keep going with it and reach your goal              

 

Another popular resolution is helping the planet and reducing your carbon footprint which can seem complex and there are countless ways we are being told we should help our planet. These are three easy ways to begin your eco-friendly journey. 

Using less gas to get to work, school or the shops will make a huge difference. There are multiple ways to avoid this such as walking, riding a bike, car sharing or getting public transport. These little changes to your daily routine can make a huge difference in the long run for our planet. 

A more fun and innovative way to help the environment is by planting trees, wildflowers and making animal friendly spaces. Planting a tree helps improve soils, prevent flooding, erosion and carbon, planting wildflowers are amazing for bees which are essential to keeping the planet alive and they can look beautiful and creating mini habitats for animals such as hedgehogs or snails can help maintain your local biodiversity and is an amazing way to see and preserve the wildlife around you

Simply doing your research is a small step that can make a huge difference. Looking into the food you buy and seeing where it comes from, looking into where our planet is at the moment and the small things people are doing locally that you can partake with can not only help inform you but provide that little incentive into your resolution when the motivation gets low

 

The final resolution that will be tackled is working on your mental health in the new year. If this is one of your resolutions do not worry as these tips are little ways to help instead of attempting to overcome it all in one go. 

One of the best ways to give the mind a rest is by getting fresh air whether it’s going for a walk around your street, going out to do a sport or getting a coffee. Those little moments outside can be a brilliant break for the mind. 

Looking online for meditations can be an easy way to reach your goal of mental improvement. There are hundreds of videos and guides on meditation and relaxing sounds such as rain or asmr for you to unwind to and give yourself the time you need to prioritise yourself! 

Most importantly, finding something you enjoy and that you can unwind to makes all the difference. We are all different and all find escapes in different mediums. There are countless things that are local that can be amazing for you to take time for yourself to do, it could be the cinema or theatre, painting, a sport, a science club or a cat cafe. No matter what it is, whatever makes you happy will make your mental health journey a lot easier. 

 

No matter the resolution they can all be achievable and do not have to be the picture perfect journey seen online and if they are not reached this year you can always try again or pick them back up. Overall, the first step is setting the initial goal and the hardest part is completing it and some of these goals can take more than a year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 /