Top 13 New Year’s Resolutions for 2010

in Humor Lifestyle by Lyvia — January 19, 2010 |

So we’re mid way through January, and you’ve set several New Year’s resolutions to follow. After your New Year’s Eve binge, are you staying on track with your goals? Below are the top thirteen popular New Year’s Resolutions for 2010, and some helpful tips for keeping you on track.

Drink less alcohol

Wouldn’t it feel great to wake up without hangovers, sleeping in your own bed, not have a penis drawn on your face, or perhaps no regrets? Then again, it’s always good to keep your heart and liver healthy by drinking less alcohol.

Top 5 tips to help you drink less:

Start with a non alcoholic beverage.
Drink slowly, small sips and not gulps.
Eat before or while your drinking.
Avoid salty foods or snacks.
Avoid shots or rounds.

Get a better education

I would say one of the biggest turn offs is an attractive man without an education. In a recent interview with Ellen Meara of Harvard Medical School she said, “We all know life expectancy is lengthening, which is very encouraging news, but that improvement is happening just for the better-educated group. Not only is the gain not happening as quickly for those with less education, but on average it is flat.” An educated person is more likely to eat healthy, know the benefits of exercise, and so on. I believe this leads to better times: when someone can carry a conversation.

Get a better job

I’ve replayed the same image in my head over and over. It consists of me walking up to my boss and saying, “The next two weeks will be my last. I’m moving up in life.” However, we all have the same fear and will continue to have that fear unless we better ourselves. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sign up for new classes, but you could start by updating your profile online, resume, and cover letter. You should easily be able to manage a striking resume that will grant you an interview. If you need help, visit Getabetterjob.net. Also, researching a company’s history is essential before going in for an interview.

Get fit

Don’t you just hate going to a pool party and there is always that one girl/guy who is completely fit. You just know they’re at the gym 24/7. Don’t you feel like saying, “Have a cheese cake or something fatty!” Well, if you have this feeling, remember that getting fit is more than just a physical journey. It is a joint venture of the body and mind. Set realistic goals. You can start with simple goals, as in cutting back on calorie intake; taking the stairs rather than elevator, parking your car far from the entrance, flexing your abs during commercials, etc. If you’re dedicated, then it won’t hurt your to have a cheese cake every so often. If you’re looking for a great place to start, try reading these helpful tips for losing your belly in 2010.

Lose weight

According to NYTimes, more than two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and the percentage is still rising. As Jay Leno said, “Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you’ve met your New Year’s resolution?” Now, remember to always be realistic when setting a weight loss goal. You’re not going to lose 20 pounds in a month, unless you starve yourself, and workout like a maniac. Pick a 4 month workout plan, and stick to it. Research has shown that losing 10% of your body weight – or less – can have big pay offs to your health.

Manage debt

The American Debt Consolidation statistics show the average American has 8 credit cards in their wallet, the average interest on credit cards are in the mid-to high teens, over 40% of American families spend more money than they earn, and the average American household has nearly $10,000 in debt. If you don’t have debt, I say you catch up to the average American ASAP! Just kidding.

Keep in mind some debt is good; borrowing money for college is good debt. However, if you feel your debt is overwhelming, don’t be ashamed to ask a debt consolidation expert for help. If you feel you have your debt under control, then focus on paying back high interest credit cards first. Remember to keep your spending under control, and it’s always a good idea to write down a monthly budget and prepare for the unexpected.

Quit smoking

One of the main reasons to stop smoking is for medical reasons. The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation says smoking kills 400,000 people each year, including 53,000 non-smokers. Smoking can cause: heart disease, peripheral vascular diseases, emphysema, bronchitis,cancers, strokes, ulcers and other illnesses. Smoking also complicates preexisting conditions. Another factor to take into consideration is the social factor. Smoking is viewed as smelly, offensive, and disgusting by non-smokers and ex-smokers. If you quit smoking, not only will you reap the health improvements of quitting, but you’ll save money too. Smoker’s burn holes in their clothes, cars, homes, and furniture. It has been reported that half of the fire deaths in our country are caused by cigarette smoking. If you’re not sold on items above, maybe you’ll be motivated by the $2,000 spent annually for 1 pack a day smokers.

Reduce stress at work

The first thing that probably comes to mind is getting rid of a few co-workers, working your own hours, and of course a raise. However, that’s not realistic. You can start with a few simple things that will help you. Start with a positive and optimistic overall outlook, improve your time management and organizational skills, learn to listen better, get more sleep, change the environment to your liking and colors, find a mentor, and of course, don’t sweat the small stuff – it’s not worth it.

Reduce stress overall

Have you ever noticed stressed people are usually perfectionists? At least that’s my opinion. Five simple things you can do to eliminate stress is stop being a perfectionist, meditate (Yoga, prayer, or a spa day), change your pessimistic outlook, get more sleep, and if it’s your significant other that’s stressing you out, then change partners (haha, just kidding) perhaps you should consider counseling.

Save money

Just about everyone wants to save money, but at the same time continue to expand their lavish lifestyle. Sounds like an oxymoron huh? The best way to save money is by developing a budget. Then, of course, re-evaluate your insurance, mortgage, and consider downsizing so you can continue living your lavish lifestyle and not have to sacrifice a trip or two.

Take a vacation

Picture your perfect vacation next time you want to purchase your next toy. You can also consider saving a couple hundred a month and you’ll be on your vacation in no time. There are several websites which allow you to find the best vacation deals including Expedia, Orbitz, and more.

Volunteer to help others

Now is a perfect time to help, especially with the massive 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, leaving thousands of people homeless, or dead. You can start by cleaning out your closet and going to your local UPS store. UPS is shipping anything less than 50 lbs to Haiti for free. If you just recently cleaned out your closet, you can help by going to a blood bank and donating blood. It won’t cost you a thing, and each pint of blood donated can help several people.

Tags: new years resolutions new years resolutions 2010 popular new years resolutions top new years resolutions

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Author: Lyvia

Lyvia is a social butterfly that's extremely outgoing and loves to laugh and have fun. Originally from San Francisco, she is now living abundantly in Brasilia, and loving every moment of it. She's single and ready to mingle, enjoys long bikes rides, spending time with her friends and family, and cutting a rug on a daily basis.