15 Tiny Resolutions That Can Change Your Life in 2019

START THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE SMALL CHANGES THAT CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT.

One of the great things about beginning a new year is that it gives you the chance to start fresh. You might not be able to erase your past entirely, but beginning on January 1, you get the unique opportunity to set new goals and aim to be a better version of yourself. For many people, the new year marks the beginning of a new diet or workout regimen, but those aren't the only ways that you can change yourself for the better. If you're in need of some resolution inspiration, then keep reading to discover some small resolutions that can pack a big punch.

1
Participate in "Meatless Mondays."

If the idea of becoming a vegetarian and cutting meat out of your diet entirely is too daunting, then make it your resolution this year to participate in Meatless Mondays. This movement began in 2003 and it's now gained traction in more than 40 countries. By eliminating meat from your diet just once a week, you can protect the planet, improve your health, and save you money on meals. Triple win!

2
Use your commute time more productively.
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In 2019, think of your commute as an opportunity to do the things you don't normally have time to do. If you travel to work via underground public transportation, then take advantage of all that time without cell service to read a book that you've been wanting to dive into. If you drive to your office, then plug in your phone and sit back as you learn about the world via Flash Forward or catch up on crime via Bundyville. And if you've run out of books to read, then check out these 22 Amazing Audiobooks That Make Traveling (or Commuting!) Way Less Boring.

3
Make your lunch break more active.
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Making time for exercise and activity can be tough, especially when you're stuck at work for most of the day. But it is possible to get up and move, as long as you view no workout as too small. In order to live a healthier lifestyle this coming year, use part of your lunch break to go outside and get some steps in. Whether you're walking to grab food or are just taking laps around your building, even just 20 minutes of moving around can improve your health, mood, and energy levels.

4
Organize your email inbox.
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In the moment, it might be easier to neglect spam emails and press mute on those ridiculous work threads, but you'd be amazed by how freeing it feels to bring the count on your email inbox all the way down to zero. Your stress levels will go way down once you take control of all that e-clutter.

5
Cook at least one meal at home every day.
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Make your wallet and your waist line happy this year by vowing to cook more meals at home. Per one study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, people who cooked at least six meals at home per week ate 173 fewer calories and consumed 16 fewer grams of sugar per day than those who ate out almost exclusively. And according to data compiled by meal planning service Wellio, those who make their food at home save about $16 per meal by not eating out.

6
Limit the electronics before bed.
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If you want to sleep soundly through 2019, then make a tiny resolution to stop using your electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Why? According to the National Sleep Foundation, "using electronic devices before bedtime can be physiologically and psychologically stimulating in ways that can adversely affect your sleep." That's because the blue light emitted by these devices messes with your circadian rhythm and melatonin levels.

7
Try new dishes at your favorite restaurants.
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Instead of forcing yourself to step out of your culinary comfort zone completely, take baby steps by heading to your favorite food establishments and ordering something new. By doing this, you'll be able to expand your palette without having to give up any feelings of security or stability. And if all goes well, in 2020 you can even explore new cuisines in new countries!

8
Do something once a week without worrying about the consequences.
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We don't suggest that you tell off your boss just for momentary relief. But if you want to eat that slice of cake without guilt, buy those jeans without worrying about finances, and cancel those brunch plans because you'd much rather sleep in, go for it! It's all about making 2019 your year.

9
Devote 10 minutes every night to your skin.

By the time bedtime rolls around, the last thing anyone wants to do is delay their precious sleep for the sake of their skin. But for the next 365 days, make it your mission to prioritize your skincare routine. You'll be thankful that you did as you age and don't have a wrinkle to show for it.

10
Make time to see the doctor at least twice a year.
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Nobody enjoys going to the doctor, especially when they're feeling fit as a fiddle. However, getting check-ups on a regular basis—even when you appear to be in good health—is what makes it possible for diseases to be detected early. You might begrudge the doctor for "wasting your time," but a few hours with your physician is better than weeks or months fighting something serious, right?

11
Schedule at least one date night per month.
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As a marriage or relationship progresses, it becomes far too customary for romantic gestures and intimate date nights to be put on the back-burner, especially when there are kids involved. If you can't even remember the last time you took your significant other out on a date, then make it a priority this year to set aside at least one night every month just for the two of you. Take them to the movies. Enjoy dinner at your favorite restaurant. Buy tickets to see their favorite band live. Whatever it is, just make sure that you're actually spending quality time with the person you love and reminding them why you're with them in the first place.

12
Set aside $10 per paycheck for savings.
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You'd be amazed to see how far $10 can go over time. If you set aside $10 from every paycheck in 2019—assuming you get paid bi-weekly—then you would have $260 in your savings account by the end of the year just from this minuscule resolution. And if you did this every year for 30 years, then that number would grow to $7,800! A little really does go a long way.

13
Make a conscious effort to thank someone every day.

If you chat with the kind lady behind the counter at your coffee shop, then thank her for making your day and leave with a smile. If someone goes out of their way to hold the door for you at work, then thank them for taking the time to do so. Though it doesn't seem like saying "thank you" makes that much of a difference, this simple expression of gratitude is often enough to turn someone's day around and make them feel seen and appreciated. Want more proof that a "thank you" can be life-changing?

14
Only look in the mirror when you have to.
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Obsessing over your appearance is a habit that does more harm than good. This year, make a conscious effort to only look in the mirror when you're fixing your hair or checking to see if there's something in your teeth—and actively avoid criticizing yourself and your reflection. Within a few weeks, you should notice that your self-esteem has dramatically improved and that you're no longer nit-picking at every last blemish or curve.

15
Call someone at least once a day.

Make 2019 the year that you put an end to emotionless text messaging. Instead, actually pick up the phone and have more meaningful conversations. Of course, we're not suggesting that you avoid text messaging entirely, but you should at least phone a friend or family member once a day to catch up, even if it's just for a few minutes.

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