Top 10 Resolutions To Feed The Soul
By Jane Hurst
Obviously, if you are like most of us, your main New Year’s resolution is to get into better shape. Most resolutions don’t last very long, mainly because they are not fun to do and can be hard to learn. A popular way to put the fun back into exercise these days is to incorporate beginner or easy to learn dance moves into your workout regimen. Christian Hip-Hop dance workout videos from Shazzy Fitness offer simple aerobic and cardio dance moves that will help you lose weight, burn fat and best of all are loads of fun. But in addition to resolutions about physical health and wellness, it’s important to also have resolutions that are going to exercise the mind and spirit too. Here are a few resolution suggestions to add to this year’s list.
1. Commit to random acts of kindness
Every day, try to do at least one kind thing for someone else. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee, open the door for an elderly person, do dishes for a friend or maybe cook them a meal. Not only is this going to make you feel good about yourself, it is also going to make others feel good.
2. Get cultured
Take time to visit a museum, see a band, or walk through an art gallery. Enjoy the arts, alone or with a friend. Taking the time to expose your mind to new perspectives or new ideas can be invigorating to the soul. You might be surprised to learn just how much fun enjoying the arts can be.
3. Try something new
Never stop learning or trying new things. It doesn’t matter if you are learning a new hobby, language, exercise activity or maybe meeting new people. Whatever you do, just keep learning! There are loads of resources available many right in our communities and on the Internet. Learning new things helps to keep the mind and spirit stimulated and feeling alert and alive.
4. Enjoy being with yourself
Many people find that their mood changes when they are alone, even for a few hours. If this sounds like you, make a resolution to start finding ways to enjoy spending time alone. Think of some solo activities that you’ve always wanted to do, but have been putting off. These activities can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate.
5. Reinforce the positive
Receiving positive messages really does help to keep us motivated, inspired and more satisfied with life in general. You can get a lot of inspiration from listening to gospel music, reading scripture, or motivational quotes from spiritual leaders or self-help books that align with your religious beliefs. You can then use these phrases or sayings in all areas of your life. If you are struggling with anything, you also might find comfort in consistently feeding your spirit with supportive words of encouragement.
6. Call family
Make it a point to call (texting doesn’t count) your close friends, family and loved ones more often this year. Especially try to stay in touch with those who were there for you growing up, because more than anyone else they deserve to get special time and attention. You’d be surprised at how much parents and grandparents want to hear from us, even if we are only calling to talk for a few minutes.
7. Treat yourself
You deserve a treat once in a while. Make a resolution to occasionally treat yourself to little things that make you feel good. It doesn’t have to be an expensive treat either – it could be a long hot bath, a mocha latte, a new DVD or a frozen yogurt. Be intentional about taking time to do things for yourself and to celebrate the successes in your life.
8. Volunteer
It’s amazing how much volunteering and helping others can do for your soul. There are plenty of organizations that are always looking for volunteers. Check out your local church, charity organizations like the Salvation Army or neighborhood community center to find out how you can help and where you are needed the most.
9. Pray, often
It doesn’t matter how rushed we are, or how little time we think we have, there is always time to pray. We can pray in our car on our way to work, or we can pray while we’re at the gym or when we walk down the street or as we wash the dishes. God loves it when we talk to Him, and He is always ready to listen, no matter the time or place or what we want to talk about and often He is the only one with the answers we seek.
10. Spend time with friends
Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t appreciate the benefits of spending quality time with close friends. A healthy spirit needs to have time to connect with others. If you are too tired when a good friend asks you to go out, commit to making time to visit sometime within the same month. . Maintaining meaningful healthy relationships is important in the long run because it helps us to keep growing spiritually and mentally.