Live Your Best Life With These 16 Resolutions for 2024

Check out these 16 transformative resolutions so you can set yourself up to have your best year yet in 2024.

In the pursuit of a fulfilling and vibrant life, there’s no denying that changing your personal status quo is a requirement, but it’s not always easy. As Dr. Mehmet Oz aptly puts it, “You need to be proactive, carve out time in your schedule, and take responsibility for being the healthiest person you can be — no one else is going to do it.” 

With this principle at the core, we delve into 16 transformative strategies aimed at making 2024 your best year yet. From prioritizing your health to nurturing relationships and enhancing financial well-being, these surefire ways will guide you toward a year of positive change and self-discovery. 

Resolve to Enjoy Better Health

First, start with the basics.

1. Curb your “vices.” If you’ve been smoking for years, this should be the year that you give it up. If you need convincing, think about this: Cigarette smoking causes 480,000 deaths a year. If you’ve picked up vaping as a habit to cut down on your cigarettes, don’t fool yourself. Vaping also has been linked to serious lung damage. And finally, you might want to take an honest look at your alcohol consumption. No one says you have to be a teetotaler. However, excessive alcohol consumption could be keeping you from experiencing your best possible life.

2. Change your mindset. Another great way to change your lifestyle is to change your mindset. This could take the form of keeping a journal to list all the things you’re thankful for in your life. Or just spend a few moments each day in quiet reflection to express gratitude for the good things in your life. It’s OK to put 2023’s challenges behind you and view 2024 as a more positive time in your life. This might also be a good time to work with a therapist or trusted clergyperson to develop some positive mindset habits.

3. Destress your life. Stretching and meditation are great ways to center yourself and reduce your stress. You might want to consider visiting a naturopathic doctor about herbs and supplements that can support your health through these stressful times. 

4. Improve your sleep hygiene. One of the best ways to improve your overall health is to improve your sleep cycle. This can be achieved if you do a few things. First, be consistent. Go to bed at a regular time each night so you can train your body to be ready for sleep. Also, remove distractions from your bedroom such as laptops, tablets and TVs. This should be a place to sleep – that’s it. Finally, stop using electronic devices (including your phone) at least half an hour before sleep. (And if your divorce is keeping you up at night, try these proven tips to get your Zzzzzs.)

Make time to connect with the all-important people in your life.

5. Start at the top. At the head of your list should be your family and your children. If you’re divorced or separated, this is especially important as you need to be there to offer stability for your kids. If you can’t connect with these loved ones face-to-face, set up a regular Zoom or Skype, Facebook Live, or Google Meet session to stay in touch.

6. Don’t leave friends out. Make sure you stay in touch with friends you know will bring laughter or will be a great listener. These are the people you want to keep in your life. Reach out for a call or video catch-up session. If you have toxic people who do nothing but bring you down, this may be the time to decide if you want to continue to have them in your life.

Get moving.

7. If you’ve been sitting at your computer a lot, now’s the time to add movement to your daily routine. Even if it’s just walking around the block or doing an online workout or stretch session, moving your body can build your stamina to add more and more to your regimen

8. Don’t think of it as exercise. Instead, use a pedometer (you probably have a free app on your phone) to know what your daily average is now. Set a goal to increase 5% to 10% doing an activity you like such as walking the dog, going to the park, taking dance lessons, or anything you can do that will promote more steps in your day. Continually adding to your daily steps has been shown to help with anxiety and depression as well as overall health.

Resolve to Eat Great Food

9. Diet doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. We aren’t talking about a whole diet plan here. Instead, look at the foods you’re eating. If you’re a stress eater, you may be tempted to eat foods that don’t support your body in the way you’d like. Many find keeping a food diary for a month would be an eye-opening experience for you. It allows you to not only see what you’re eating throughout the day, but you realize how much in calories, fat, and sugar you’re taking in (or not). Simple changes can reap big benefits. You can also talk with a nutritionist or your doctor if you’d like to make some bigger dietary changes.

10. Practice intuitive eating. Intuitive (or mindful) eating is something we often avoid because we feel like we don’t have time to eat. Slow down and stop eating while you multitask. Appreciate every bite of your food and learn how to listen to your body. Only eat when you’re actually hungry, not just when you’re stressed out or think that you’re hungry. And when you’re full, try to stop eating. 

11. Add healthy, weight-loss-contributing foods to your diet. This doesn’t mean that you have to eat cabbage soup, kale, and apple cider vinegar all day to eat healthy and lose weight through diet. Be aware of what you’re eating and add more healthy proteins, organic greens, and fresh vegetables. 

12. Eat foods that satiate your hunger. Some foods can be a quick snack that’ll provide more energy and nutrients than processed foods. For these healthier snack alternatives, check out this list of 20 foods you can choose to add to your diet to keep you satiated. 

Resolve to Build a Steadier Income

13. Look beyond the single paycheck. Assuming you have a job that affords you a steady income, let’s look at ways you can diversify your income streams and become less dependent on one paycheck in case something happens. You’ll feel more in control and less stressed knowing your income isn’t dependent on one source. This is also important if you’ve recently divorced or will be going through a split in the near future.

14. Up your basic income. Whether you’re feeling a budget crunch or you’re getting a divorce and haven’t been working in a while, you need to increase your income and this can be a good time to do just that. Consider talking to a career counselor. The investment can pay off in determining a better-suited and higher-paying job for you. Also, take advantage of free online certifications that could increase your salary.

15. Consider a side hustle. Many people these days have what they affectionately call their “side hustle.” This is a job that’s in addition to the regular 9-5 job they have. If you like animals, you could walk dogs or pet sit. If you like mowing lawns, you could do this for people in your neighborhood. You can take anything you like doing and turn it into an additional income stream. Brainstorm some ways you can make some extra cash.

16. Get gig work. A lot of people have found being an Uber/ Lyft driver or DoorDash deliverer really helps out and is a great way to make extra cash when you have the time. Some have Uber’d passengers on their way home from work so it really isn’t any extra time or out of their way. Others take a friend with them while delivering dinners and enjoy catching up while getting some side cash. If you track your mileage, you can save money at the end of the year on your income taxes.

Cheers to 2024!

As we bid farewell to 2023, let the dawn of the new year mark the beginning of a revitalized you. The 16 resolutions outlined here are more than a checklist – they’re pathways to a life teeming with good health, meaningful connections, and financial stability. 

Whether it’s adopting healthier habits, fortifying relationships, or exploring new avenues for income, let this be the year you pave the way for your most fulfilling life yet. Embrace the possibilities, set achievable goals, and embark on a journey to rediscover the things you love – making this year truly exceptional.

Contact the Compassionate Family Law Attorneys at Smedley Law Group in Woodbury, NJ Today

If you’re thinking about filing for divorce, you’ll also most likely be dealing with another matter like child custody, child support, or division of assets, so you’ll need to speak with a qualified attorney. The New Jersey family law attorneys at Smedley Law Group represent clients throughout the state, including West Deptford, Woodbury Heights, Runnemede, and Westville. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 251-0800 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 750 Cooper Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.