Happy New Year! It’s time to go ahead and make a few good old-fashioned New Year’s resolutions if you haven’t already. Need a few ideas to help get your creative juices flowing? You’re in luck! Here’s our guide to a few easy New Year’s resolutions and some exclusive River Region-specific tips to help you conquer them. 

1. Start a new hobby.

There’s no better time of the year to start a new hobby than right at the very beginning! Starting a new hobby is a great way to kick off the year with a little bit of fun. Plus, if you choose an indoor hobby, it’ll give you something to do inside until spring rolls around. 

Here are a few ideas to inspire you: 

  • Calligraphy
  • Baking
  • Knittinig
  • Painting
  • Gaming (tabletop or video)

Of course, you’ll probably need to pick up a few things to get started with your new hobby once you’ve chosen it. 

Here are some great local hobby and craft shops: 

2. Get moving.

You don’t have to commit to working out seven days a week, but we could all use a little more movement in our lives, right? It could be something as simple as taking a short walk every other day or something as complex as joining a gym and starting an entirely new fitness regime. 

Looking for a new gym for the new year? Here are a few local options with excellent reviews: 

3. Read more books.

Even if you aren’t much of a reader, try making it a goal to read at least one more book this year than you did last year. You can even listen to the books on the go if necessary. 

Want to shop local when you’re buying your books this year? Here are a few options:

4. Spend more time outside.

Just like with the other resolutions on this list, this one can be done in moderation. Make it a goal to take a walk around your neighborhood or visit a local park once a week or so. 

5. Take a few mini vacations.

Go ahead and plan a few mini vacations to give yourself something to look forward to this year! Even if it’s a “staycation,” it’ll give you a break from the regular hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Here are a few great resources to help you plan your mini vacations in the River Region and Alabama as a whole: