Top New Year's Resolutions

Each New Year brings with it a chance for personal renewal. It is a time to reflect on our lives and determine how we can improve. Millions of people will make "New Year's Resolutions" this January 1st. Whether or not those resolutions are kept is a different story. However, studies have shown that people who actually make New Year's Resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't make New Year's Resolutions.

If you are feeling inspired to make some changes in your life in the form of New Year's Resolutions, but can't quite decide on exactly what you want to resolve to do, here are a few popular New Year's Resolutions for you to consider.

Quit Smoking
It's no secret that smoking kills. There are a myriad of health problems associated with smoking including heart disease, emphysema, cancer and more. Certainly better health is one of the best reasons to resolve to quit. Smokers may also be motivated to quit by the prospect of saving thousands of dollars a year. Cigarettes are heavily taxed and prices will probably continue to rise. Children are another reason to quit smoking. If you have children in your house and you smoke, those kids are at a higher risk for asthma, not to mention all the health problems associated with second hand smoke. Kids who have parents who smoke are also more likely to become smokers.

Lose Weight
There is a reason the TV is loaded with ads for weight loss services and products around January 1st. Many people decide the New Year is finally the time to make the effort to get their bodies down to a more healthy weight. For those who are overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight may give you an increased level of energy and lower your cholesterol levels. Improved mobility and fewer aches and pains will also be a pleasant side effect of weight loss. Some people may experience a better night's sleep while waking more rested. Weight loss will also decrease your risk of sudden death from heart disease or stroke.

Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and a popular New Year's Resolution. Volunteering supports families, improves schools, supports youth and beautifies the community. Many people benefit from volunteers who are generous with their time, but the volunteers also gain a lot. Volunteers can gain professional experience, which is a great way for teens and college students to add experience to their resumes. Experts have said that volunteers feel a sense of well-being and experience reduced stress. They also add that when we focus on someone other than ourselves, it interrupts our usual tension producing patterns.

Get out of Debt
True financial independence can not be attained while burdened with debt. Other than an education or a home and maybe a car, most everything else can and should be purchased without incurring debt if at all possible. A wise person once said of paying interest on debt, "those who understand interest earn it, those who don't, pay it." Once you are free from debt, your money will start working for you, rather than the other way around.

Save Money
People save money for college, vacations, cars, homes and even for the proverbial rainy day. Having money saved for emergencies will provide security and comfort, and those things are priceless. Saving money can be hard, but even a small amount of money, saved on a regular basis can help you gain more financial control.

Reduce Stress
While some stress is necessary to help us perform to the best of our ability, too much stress can take it's toll both mentally and physically. Stress has a big impact on our lives, from the way we treat others, to the way we treat ourselves. Too much stress can actually make us more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques or identifying and modifying stressors will benefit our bodies in many ways, including a better functioning immune system, lower blood pressure, and a more balanced emotional state.

Spend More Time with Family
Time spent together as a family will strengthen relationships and create memories. Children of families who regularly eat dinner together are much more likely to do better in school. Additionally, they are less likely to smoke or do drugs. With all the activities that pull families in different directions, a conscious effort has to be made to schedule time with each other.

Get Organized
A popular New Year's Resolution, getting organized will ultimately help reduce stress and create more time and save money. Whether it's an organized office, bathroom, kitchen or car, everyone can benefit from a little order.

Whatever your New Year's Resolution is this year, know you are in good company as millions of people will be working to make positive life changes. Know that just by making New Year's resolutions, you are that much closer to accomplishing your goals.