It's that time of year again. The decorations have been put away, and we're left with a fresh new slate

to make resolutions for the coming year. So, what kind of resolutions do you want to make for

yourself in 2022?

Surely not the typical resolutions you set that always seem to fail by February. And certainly not the ones that make healthy habits feel like a burden.

There's a reason why many of us continually set similar - if not the same - resolutions as we have in years prior. We know that there's always something better we could be doing, just like there's always

something we could be doing better.

But rather than striving for perfection, or aiming to go from zero to 100 overnight, maybe it's time we

made some new year's resolutions that better align with who we are and what we truly enjoy - or at

least help us discover more about that along the way.

If you want to enhance your life and well-being while staying real, and remaining true to yourself, here

are five practical new year's resolutions that don't stink!

Resolution #1: Be More Mindful

This is a resolution that can be easily applied to all areas of your life and one that will undoubtedly

benefit you in the long run. Practicing mindfulness means being more present in each moment and

paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings with curiosity and openness.

When we're mindful, we're less likely to get caught up in our thoughts or emotions - which often

leads to negative self-talk and stress. Instead, we're better able to accept things as they are and

respond accordingly.

Moreover, mindfulness has improved focus, increased empathy and compassion, and boosted

creativity. So, if you want to start the new year on the right foot, consider making mindfulness one of

your resolutions.

Resolution #2: Connect with Nature

If you want to reconnect with yourself and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, why

not make connecting with nature one of your resolutions? Spending time in nature is tied to many physical and mental health benefits, ranging from reduced stress levels to improved heart health.

Connecting with nature doesn't require hiking in the mountains every day - not even walking around

the neighborhood. While these are both excellent ways to spend your time, you can reap similar

benefits by simply sitting outside, feeling more like a part of the elements.

Resolution #3: Simplify Your Routine

Most of us have too much going on from day-to-day, and it can be easy to lose sight of what's truly

important. In turn, this often leads to a feeling of being overwhelmed with the number of tasks we need to

accomplish each week.

So, if you want something more fulfilling than organizing your life down to the minute details, why

not try simplifying your routine instead?

This could mean parking back on your material possessions or finally investing in that air fryer you've

had your sights on for a while because it can pretty much do it all! And if that's the case, you can still

do both these things; because praise be to the glorious air fryer, you can now say goodbye to your

toaster, dehydrator, and slow cooker.

Resolution #4: Make Time for Yourself

Self-care is often one thing that falls by the wayside when we're busy, but it's essential for our

well-being.

Making time for yourself can look different for everyone but typically involves some form of

relaxation, disconnecting from electronics, or simply doing something you enjoy. It's vital to remember that self-care isn't selfish. In fact, it can help improve our relationships with

others by increasing our resilience and giving us a greater sense of calmness and control.

So, if you've been struggling to make space for yourself in your already jam-packed schedule, consider

making this your resolution for the new year.

Resolution #05: Connect with Others

One of the best ways to connect with ourselves is connecting with others. While this can be done in

many ways, it often involves simply spending time with friends and family, being open and authentic

about our feelings, or volunteering to help those in need.

When we connect with others, we not only feel happier and more fulfilled, but we also tend to

experience a greater sense of purpose. And isn't that what resolutions are all about? Finding ways to

improve our well-being to live a happier and more meaningful existence?

Find your inspiration by making one of these five resolutions for the new year - and don't just have a

happy new year but make it a new year that you enjoy!