We’ve all heard of ‘New Year’s Resolutions,’ which sounds outdated and almost intimidating. However, the concept of looking ahead and thinking about, “what do I see myself doing this year?” is actually a healthy and positive thing to consider wrapping your head around, in addition to wrapping all those gifts right now. Many people have already started planning travel vacations or bought tickets to shows they want to see in the upcoming year. Having things or places to look forward to doing and seeing can have a residual effect on our mental well-being and emotional stability. A recent study from North Carolina State University finds that people who manage to balance living in the moment with planning for the future are best able to weather daily stress without succumbing to negative moods.
So let’s look ahead! It’s never too late to learn a new skill! Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn another language? If so, there are an abundance of tech friendly apps you can use on your phone, tablet or computer that make learning a new language pretty easy nowadays. Many users say they are able to learn basic conversations in as little as 3 weeks! Quilting is also becoming a very popular hobby these days. Then again, we do live in a state that is snow covered about half of the year. Maybe you want to learn to ski or snowboard? Or what about something as simple as writing? A journal or blog can be a highly rewarding way to stay sharp and release tension or creative juices.
If you aren’t interested in
learning something new this year and would rather
see something new, then you’re lucky our world is a never ending story full of adventures and mysteries. Whether it be overseas or just a little further south to warmer temperatures, there is so much to see and do! I googled ‘unique vacations,’ and what came up had me dream-packing my suitcase! Have you ever heard of The Queen Mary, once a world-class ocean liner, and now a luxurious
floating hotel
based in Long Beach, California?! I mean, the word ‘luxury’ is an understatement! If you’re not into that high class style, then I’d suggest checking out the Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona. Established in 1927 to provide trailer and camping spaces to travelers along the famous Highway 80, the spot has since become an institution, boasting quirky and vintage trailers and camper vans for guests to stay in. The Shady Dell promises an unusual and unforgettable stay. Of course you could always set your sights really high and go all out to somewhere like Salta, Argentina. I read that the region is famed for its spectacular scenery and richly colored landscapes–think red rock valleys, multi-colored and monochromatic hills and terra-cotta peaks magically set against stark blue skies. The diversity of this area makes it a haven for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, driving 4x4s and a plethora of other adventure activities.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s not in your budget or limited time availability to learn or see and do. Planning ahead can just be scheduling upcoming graduations, birthdays and those necessary follow up appointments on your calendar. Knowing there are events coming up to plan for is what that healthy outlook is about. It provides a sense of comfort and minimizes stress. A self-help author, Robert Epstein, found that 25% of our happiness hinges on how well we’re able to manage stress. If it’s as uncomplicated as planning ahead to ensure a quarter of happiness in the upcoming year - then I’ll ask again: What do you want to do in 2023?
