Well, here we are about to face a new year. I know I have high hopes for 2021, and you probably do, too. After 2020, there's nowhere to go but up, right? Let's hope I don't eat my words later…
While the start of 2021 might look a little different than previous New Year's Days, it's still a good opportunity to think about your goals, wishes, and dreams. These don't necessarily have to be big, life-changing things—you can start small. Or if you're feeling up to the challenge, why not manifest something huge? There are no rules here.
Everyone sets different resolutions for the new year, but I think a majority of people tend to ditch their resolutions mid-January. In fact, apparently, January 17 is the day most people give up, according to a study by the fitness app Strava.
There are steps you can take to ensure your success and beat the January 17 fatigue. Having someone to hold you accountable or writing down your goals in a journal and keeping track of them throughout your progress could help. And of course, having the right tools and products can keep you on track. We've rounded up some items that can help, based on common resolutions or goals. Take a look below.
If Your Resolution Is… to Eat Healthier
The New Year is a good opportunity to start fresh with your eating plan. A lot of people decide to embark on very restrictive diets on January 1, but you don't have to feel pressured to do that or to deprive yourself. Start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, or make a plan to order less takeout and try new recipes. Small lifestyle changes can help you stick to your resolution. Here are some tools that can get you excited about meal prepping.
I have a couple of these reusable zipper bags at home, and they're my favorite kitchen accessory. I use them to store cut veggies and fruit, and using them makes me feel better about reducing the waste of plastic baggies.
Meal prep is so much easier when you have the right containers. These glass ones are sturdy and easy to transport. They're dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.
The Nutribullet is one of my favorite gadgets. I can make so many things with it, from smoothies to soups to sauces.
Streamline your kitchen with this pan; it might be the only one you need. You can use it to fry, saute, steam, boil, and braise.
If Your Resolution Is… to Work Out More
If you've been a bit, um, inactive during quarantine, you're probably not going to run a marathon the first week of January. Whatever your fitness goals, go at your own pace and push yourself, but to avoid injury, you'll want to make sure you're not overdoing it.
The first thing you'll need for at-home workouts is a good mat. This one from Alo Yoga is cushioned, sweat wicking, and slip-free.
You can use these resistance bands for all types of workouts such as yoga, pilates, and strength training. They also come in handy when you need a good stretch.
Use yoga blocks during your practice for stability and balance and to deepen your poses and stretches.
These leggings are supportive and comfortable enough for any workout. They have a no-slip waistband that stays in place and is made from moisture-wicking fabric.
Both a cropped tank and sports bra, this top makes it so easy—you won't need another layer. It has a built-in support band and is designed for medium-impact workouts.
If Your Resolution Is… to Focus on Your Career
Whether you're just starting out, forging a new path, or are already established in your career, it still helps to make a list of goals or wishes for the moves you want to make this year.
If you're job searching, this book will provide some inspiration and helpful tools. It looks at today's job market and gives tips for résumé and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, and negotiating salary.
The creator of addictive shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder shares her life experiences in this book. But it's not just a memoir—you'll find inspiration to be brave and say yes to the scary things.
Feeling disorganized in your work life? Organizing queen Marie Kondo is here to help. In her career-focused book, Kondo gives strategies for streamlining work clutter, optimizing productivity, and figuring out work/life balance.
Jot down your goals, to-do lists, and schedules in a brand-new 2021 planner.
Keep this notepad nearby when inspiration strikes. You never know when that will happen!
If Your Resolution Is… to Learn a New Hobby or Skill
The possibilities can be endless when searching for a new hobby to take up. Even though we might not be able to attend classes or workshops in person, there are plenty of virtual options available. Here are a few DIY kits to start.
If you go through candles often, maybe it's time to learn how to make them. This kit has everything you need to create the scented candle of your dreams: herbs, crystals, soy wax, fragrance oil, wicks, stick, and tin candle holders.
Knitting can be a stress reliever because it gives your hands something to do other than scrolling through your phone. This kit is made for both beginners and pros and has step-by-step instructions.
Ready to be a plant parent in 2021? A cactus is a low-maintenance option to start with.
If Your Resolution Is… to Take Care of Yourself
For those who want to prioritize and take care of their mental health this year, there are a couple of things you can add to your to-do list, like seeking out therapy or finding a support group. Setting aside some moments of self-care is also a simple way to start tending to your needs and recharge.
This journal has reflection prompts to help you practice mindfulness when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Aromatherapy is helpful for just about anything, whether you need to relax, focus, or energize. This stone diffuser has a run time of three hours.
Indulge in a luxurious bath to unwind and clear your mind. These bath salts contain rose and ylang-ylang scents to soothe muscles and your brain.
For anyone who's trying Dry January, this book can help you get started. It gives you tips on how to make a plan and how to use your community to help you stay on track. There are also non-alcoholic "cocktail" recipes and prompts that will really make you think about your alcohol consumption.
If Your Resolution Is… to Be Smarter About Your Finances
Knowledge is power, so learning more about finances and budgeting can help you make smarter decisions about your money. Here are a few books that can help.
The follow-up to You Are a Badass, this book is all about making money—figuring out what's holding you back, learning how to find creativity, and reshaping your own situation.
Nudge looks at the psychology behind our decisions, including the financial ones. It will help you look at them differently and gives you strategies for making better ones.
If Your Resolution Is… to Focus on Your Relationships
If you want to improve or strengthen some of your relationships in 2021—romantic, platonic, or familial—communication is key. Books can help you learn more about relationship dynamics. Or just the act of checking in on your friends and family members is a good place to start.
If you're in a relationship, this book provides activities and prompts to strengthen your bond and communication skills. Each "date" covers a different issue: trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams.
Friends and hosts of the popular podcast Call Your Girlfriend Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman chronicle their friendship's ups and downs in this book. You'll get inspiration on how to rethink and care for your own friendships.
Even though we might not be able to keep up with our friends and family in person, we can still let them know we're thinking of them thanks to technology. But consider snail mail—it can be a special way to reach out.
Next up: 11 Very Realistic Health and Fitness Resolutions That You Can Be Happy About
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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