Ring in a Healthier You for the New Year | By: Committee for Children What’s on the Top of New Year’s Resolution Lists This Year? I wanted to know, so I interviewed 25 friends and family members about their top two resolutions, and this is what I found: almost half of the people I asked have at least one New Year’s resolution about living a healthier and happier life. Some of the resolutions I heard included getting together more with friends, managing stress better, getting organized, living a healthier lifestyle, not getting upset so easily, taking better care of oneself, being happier, and not worrying as much. Although many of the people I talked to have resolutions about physical health such as weight loss and exercise, an equal number are also looking for social-emotional health in the new year. I dug a little deeper into this question to see what others were finding. I reviewed several news stories and articles on New Year’s resolutions, and found a similar trend. According to these sources, top resolutions for 2017 include things such as enjoying life to its fullest and being a better person. Three Things You Can Do to Meet Your Resolutions for Being Socially and Emotionally Healthy This Year: Be good to yourself—Treat yourself by doing things you enjoy. Try something fun or new. Recognize your achievements and don’t discount them, and don’t dwell on your mistakes. Practice gratefulness—Purposefully take a minute out of every day to think of one thing for which you are grateful. Pursue happiness—Help boost your happiness by trying this three-step 5-3-1 practice: meditate for 5 minutes, write down 3 good things that happened to you, and do 1 act of kindness. Seek happiness triggers by spending more time with happy people, or by taking time each week to anticipate something you are looking forward to, such as an upcoming trip or a fun event. Social and emotional health has many benefits. I wish you success in meeting your social-emotional resolutions this year!