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7 Unique New Year’s Resolutions to Try This Year

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CNU chapter.

With each passing year, it is so easy to fall back into old habits rather than stick to the challenges that we proposed to ourselves back in December. This year, instead of trying the same diet resolution that you’ve promised yourself you would actually do this year (even though you’ve been saying that for the past five) try something new. Here are some unique resolution ideas to help shake up your 2019 and make the year memorable. 

1. Improve Your Sleep Habits 

This might not seem like a lot, but your mind and body need a healthy sleep just as much as they need a healthy diet and exercise. Reflect on your sleeping habits, find something that hasn’t been working or something that you need to work on, and continue from there. 

2. Face One of Your Fears/Do Something That Scares You 

Let 2019 be the year that you step out of your comfort zone, whether that be something big, like skydiving, or something smaller but just as important, like going out to meet new people. When you look back on your 2019 in December, you’ll be proud of the things that you did and overcame, and you might make a lot of great memories along the way. 

3. Donate Your Old Clothes 

Cleaning out your closet is a great way to start out the year while also giving back to your community. Go through your clothes and set aside all of the things that don’t fit anymore or that you no longer wear, and take them to your local Goodwill or other organization of your choosing. 

4. Join a Community Sports Team 

Joining a community sports team is not only a great way to get out and exercise but is also a great way to get to know new people in your community. It will also be a lot of fun, and you can brag about all your team’s victories on Facebook. 

women dancing in a mirror
Photo by Danielle Cerullo from Unsplash

5. Start a Savings Challenge 

Need to stop spending so much or trying to save for something big? Start a savings challenge! For example, every time you come into possession of a $5 bill, toss it into a jar and don’t touch the jar until the end of the year Then count up how much you saved over the year and use it towards that big thing you were waiting for. 

6. Start Listening to Audiobooks 

Lots of people promise to read more each year, but it is hard to find the time to read. However, audiobooks are much more portable and accessible. You can listen to them on the bus or metro on the commute to work or while you are working out in the gym. 

7. Volunteer for Cause that You Are Really Passionate About 

If there is a cause or organization that really speaks to you and your ideals, then don’t hesitate in 2019 to start looking for volunteer opportunities. If you don’t already have an organization in mind, then look for something you are interested in. For example, if you love animals, then try looking into the local shelter and seeing what they need help with there. 

New Year’s resolutions are all about trying new things and breaking your old habits. Shake up your 2019 by trying something new and putting yourself out there. 

Caroline Ernst is a senior at Christopher Newport University studying English with a writing concentration and classical studies and literature as minors. She studied abroad in Rome fall semester of her junior year, where she spent her time exploring the city, Italy, and many other European cities. On campus, she works as her university's Italian tutor in their tutoring center, where she also work as a the Foreign Language Lead Tutor. In addition, she works in the writing center on campus as a writing consultant, helping students with their essays and other writings. She is a proud member of CNU's chapter of Her Campus, where she writes for their writing team and this year will take on the responsibility as Senior Editor.