Updated on: Friday, December 28, 2012
Experts say, learning new things, kicking the butt and taking a walk everyday should be among resolutions everyone should make this new year.
Experts from the Washington University in St Louis came up with 13 resolutions everyone should make this year. The topmost on the list includes a resolution to 'learn something new'.
Robert Wiltenburg, dean of University College at Washington University, said, "Taking a class in a subject you enjoy is a great way to rekindle your love of learning. If you give yourself the freedom to explore new interests, you might uncover a passion that you never knew existed."
Resolving to take a walk in the park everyday can also do wonders for your body. Aaron Hipp, environmental health expert, said, "A resolution to walk more and take advantage of local parks can contribute to a healthy, green year."
Stepping away from your desk can be another resolution which is good for your health. Debra Haire-Joshu, director of the Obesity Prevention and Policy Research Center at the Brown School, said, "You learn to sit at school; you learn to sit at work. Get active like you used to be when you were a kid."
Volunteering and rediscovering the library also made it to the list of resolutions while getting your social media house in order can be another impactful vow.
Law professor Neil Richards, a privacy-law expert, said, "We're making choices without thinking about the way we're building the world of new media."
"But the choices we make now about the boundaries between our individual and social selves will have massive consequences for the societies our children and grandchildren inherit," Richards said.
Paying down your credit card debt, and getting more sleep should also be included in your new year resolutions. Experts believe that smokers can make a resolution to use their smartphone to quit smoking.
Sarah Shelton, from the Brown School's Center for Public Health Systems Science said that using nontraditional measures like smartphones in the fight against smoking can help.
In particular, smartphones can bring new forms of support to those looking to quit. Getting healthier in the new year can be easy by making a few lifestyle changes, like committing to eating a healthy breakfast, paying attention to grocery nutrition labels or sticking with a consistent exercise regimen, experts said.
Kicking the car habit and walking can also do people good, experts said. For parents, experts believe they should make every day count for their kids. Consuming more culture is also a resolution that can be made this new year.