Are you a new year’s resolution setter? Today is the day many of us will be reflecting on 2022 and mentally preparing for 2023. If this is you, don’t let it all be about the next promotion and your fitness targets. These are great, but life is so much more than counting bicep curls. There is a growing body of research that suggests that life satisfaction improved when you share your life with others.

The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who have strong social connections are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who are more isolated and a study in American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who have a sense of belonging and social support are less likely to experience declines in physical and mental health as they age.

So here are some New Year’s resolutions you might like to consider in order to live a happier, more connected life:

1. Make time for social connections: Make an effort to prioritise time with friends and family, and seek out opportunities to meet new people and build relationships. The Little BIG House is a great place to start!
2. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for and express your appreciation to others. They will feel good, but you’ll fell even better.
3. Volunteer or give back to your community: Helping others and making a positive impact can bring joy and meaning to your life. Consider volunteering or supporting a cause you care about, hosting an event at the Little BIG House or volunteering as part of our ‘Tribe’.
4. Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax and recharge. Go to the beach, read a great book or savour a coffee while you watch the rain. These are clichés for a reason – you feel great when you do them!
5. Seek out new experiences: Step outside your comfort zone and try new things to keep life exciting and enriching. Travel, learn a new skill, take up a new hobby or keep it simple and build a new habit (maybe you’ll try a new recipe each week).

The process of goal setting can give you a sense of vision and purpose and have an impact on wellbeing. It can help you feel in control, feel more confident and capable and increase motivation but it is important to set goals that are realistic and achievable. If you are about to embark on the annual tradition of promising to turn over a new leaf, be kind to yourself in the process.

Our tips for setting 2023 goals that inspire you:

1. Make it a team effort: Invite your friends, family, partner or community to join you in setting resolutions and building new habits. Not only will you have a built-in support system, but it can also be more fun to work towards your shared goals.
2. Celebrate your progress: Don’t wait until the end of the year to celebrate your achievements. Take time to celebrate small wins along the way to keep motivated. Life is better shared and celebrated!
3. Make it a game: Turn your resolution into a game or competition with yourself or others. This can make the process more enjoyable and keep you motivated.

It is important to find what works best for you and to be mindful of your own needs and limitations when setting goals. Overall, the key to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is to have fun with it and not take yourself too seriously. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.

Here’s to a happy and successful new year!

See you at the Little BIG House soon.