Perhaps most people abandon their New Year's resolutions in the first few weeks of the year because it's more of a bore than an enjoyable goal. Resolutions are supposed to aim at self-improvement, but how can you do this if you don't look forward to keeping it? So here are a few goals to have for 2016, which are so fun and exciting that you're likely to have the best year!
1) Shake your groove thing!
Go dancing more often. Whether you're winding down at a club on the weekends or actually enlisting in dance classes, more dancing will be good for your physical and mental well-being, according to a study.
2) Volunteer at an animal shelter or organize a pet adoption event.
Doing volunteer work is a selfless act. You're sharing a part of your time to help someone without expecting anything back - although it does promote higher self-esteem and help you live longer, according to Everyday Health. There are millions of organizations where you can help out, but an animal shelter might be more fun because of all the wet noses and warm furry fuzzies.
3) Adopt a pet.
Take volunteering a step further and adopt a pet yourself. Bookmark HNGN's Rescue Pet of the Week coverage to keep tabs of your future furry best friend.
4) Take your regular dose of laughter.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It relieves your stress and brings both short-term and long-term benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic. So take your regular dose of laughs and watch comedy club performances in your area, or schedule binge-watching an old comedy series on Netflix on weekends. "Parks and Recreation Season 7" is going to stream on the site this January, according to CNN.
5) Buy flowers often.
Fill your house with flowers regularly. It not only helps perk up the rooms, but it also benefits your mental health. The sight and smell of flowers lowers your anxiety level, according to Huffington Post.
6) Invest in your appearance.
Perhaps this seems like a superficial resolution, but the reality is appearances matter both at work and in your social life, according to the Journal of Young Investigators. This doesn't suggest getting plastic surgery, although that is an option. You can take cues from fashion magazines and blogs and shop for better clothes. Besides, retail therapy can bring happiness, according to a study. Also, schedule monthly facials, mani-pedi pampering, or perhaps indulge and get eyelash extensions once or twice a year.
7) Learn a new language.
There are apps for this now, such as Duolingo, so you can learn French or German using your iPhone. It's convenient, it promotes self-growth and it will keep you occupied for months.
