Many of us start each new year with the best of intentions. But while setting New Year’s resolutions is a great way to hone in on your current goals, too often they’re forgotten or pushed aside not long into the New Year — in fact, studies show that a whopping 80 percent of resolutions aren’t kept.
Both 2020 and 2021 offered their fair share of challenges and tough times. And while the start of 2022 is still looking as though it will be far from normal, better times are on the horizon.
If you’re looking to make 2022 your best year yet, don’t set over-the-top New Year’s resolutions that are tough to keep and will only cause unnecessary stress. Instead, keep reading to learn a few healthy changes you can make that will have a big impact on your health and happiness in the New Year. From getting outdoors and reducing stress — like on a visit to Cougar Ridge — to spending time with those you love, put these tips to work to make the new year your best yet.
Make Time to Get Outdoors
Many New Year’s resolutions revolve around fitness, getting active, losing weight, or improving your health. While these can all be good goals to have, unfortunately, these are also some of the most commonly abandoned resolutions each year.
There are a number of reasons this could be true. Fresh off of the holidays, many people are still busy, and may struggle to find time to hit the gym. If you live somewhere that experiences cold winters, running or jogging outdoors might not be an option. And when temperatures plunge or you’re too busy to cook, the temptation to indulge in warm comfort foods might trump your desire to eat a healthier diet.
Instead of setting your sights on losing a certain amount of weight or reaching a specific fitness goal, make your New Year’s resolution to spend more time outdoors in 2022. Besides being a great way to jumpstart healthier habits and to get active, studies show that this can lead to other health benefits as well, such as higher levels of vitamin D, better concentration, faster healing, and a happier mood.
One great way to stick to this goal is to kick off the New Year with an inspiring trip that centers on time spent outdoors. For instance, a visit to Cougar Ridge is a great chance to get back to nature in a beautiful setting. Pack warm layers and boots and hit the trails of Capitol Reef, or spend your days strolling around our property and visiting with our resident farm animals.
Disconnect and Destress
Setting goals that piggyback off of one another is a great way to accomplish more in the New Year. One side effect of spending more time outdoors — and of visiting Cougar Ridge — is that you’ll destress and disconnect from technology more as well.
Reducing your screen time, including time spent on your phone or in front of a computer, has been proven to reduce stress, improve our mental health, and even boost our physical health. Less stress in your daily life can help to improve a variety of health conditions and help you to feel healthier and happier overall.
Much like a visit to Cougar Ridge can help to kick-start your commitment to spending more time outdoors, this is also a great way to recover from the added stress that comes with preparing for the holiday season. Sip coffee on the patio of your private Casita or relax and unwind in a hot tub, and feel the stress of the holidays melt away as you start the New Year on a fresh foot.
Spend More Quality Time With Those You Love
After nearly two years of limited travel and social distancing, many of us have spent far less time with our friends and loved ones since the start of 2020. But with vaccines rolling out and home tests now widely available, 2022 may finally be the time to reconnect with those you’ve been separated from for too long.
If you’re able to, make a goal to spend more quality time with your loved ones in the New Year. Whether this means visiting in person or simply connecting over a phone call or video chat each week, you’ll do more than just brighten your loved one’s day; you’ll also enjoy some proven health benefits, like improved mental health and a boost of self-confidence. Children enjoy even more benefits, like better academic performance and lower risk of behavioral problems when they spend more quality time with family.
Setting aside time to spend with your family or friends can sometimes be a challenge. Rather than setting and then changing endless coffee dates or dinners out, set a goal in the New Year to getaway together. That way, you’ll be less likely to change plans, and won’t have to worry about distractions like work getting in the way of your time together. Whether you’re looking to getaway with your immediate family or plan a reunion with your extended family group, Cougar Ridge has the accommodations, as well as on-site activities to plan a perfect vacation.
Start Your Year With a Visit to Cougar Ridge
Rather than locking yourself into tough New Year’s resolutions, make 2022 your best year yet with these healthy, attainable goals.
From spending more time outdoors to destressing and reconnecting with family, Cougar Ridge is the ultimate destination to kick off a fresh start to your new year. Book today to enjoy a 50% discount on your stay through March 15, 2022.