The New Year always brings the hope of a New You, but who wants the looming fear of failure over their head all year? New Year’s resolutions do not have to be challenging to be productive. These easy New Year’s resolution ideas will surely put a positive pep in your New You step!

1. A New Ice Cream Flavor

Truly my idea of having more positive New Years’ resolution ideas came from when I was a kid. My older much cooler cousin’s New Year’s resolution was to try a new Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor each month. Why can’t resolutions be fun? Pick something that will bring you joy, not stress. A new flavor of ice cream each month will make your year much better than the last and that’s all we really want.

2. Self-Care Routine

Perhaps this is cliche, but it’s better than completely cutting out sugar. After my cousin’s brilliant idea to eat ice cream I decided I’d take a long soaking bath at least once a week. Still to this day when I’m stressed I turn to my trusty bathtub. Self-care comes in many forms. This could be adding a step to your nighttime regime or becoming a better flosser. Maybe taking just 5 mins a day to sit in silence is more your speed. Whatever it is commit this to yourself for the upcoming year. A little investment in YOU goes a long way.

3. Count Before Responding

This may be the one I personally chose for the year. With a new baby, many life changes, plus our big holiday plans we had this year I could use a deep breath. If you are anything like me and you let the stress build up until you pop. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. It is way easier said than done, but resolutions are made for bettering yourself and the upcoming year. Take a beat to count to 10. If it is currently difficult for you to find time for those baths and long walks to de-stress try to at least count to 10 when you feel the stress rise and understand that this too will pass.

4. Walk More

Walking is almost a cure-all. You lose weight, build muscle, cleanse your mind, get fresh air and vitamin D. I could go on. This is a New Year’s resolution idea that you can tailor the way that fits your life. It isn’t overcomplicated and it will always be beneficial. You don’t even have to set out for a special walk. You can make tiny adjustments like parking further from your destination, mini leg stretching sessions throughout the day, or walking further away for a lunch break.

Other tips for walking more:

• get a pedometer
• walk with friends
• walk during lunch
• start small
• Listen to something you enjoy
• Call a friend

5. Be MORE of something

I love vague New Year’s resolution ideas because you are the judge of how well you have done. It isn’t set in stone so there is no failure here. If I have a moment of being unkind I’ll just have to do better and up my kindness. You can be more thoughtful, laidback, fun, caring, encouraging… the list goes on.

6. Have/do LESS

This is where the cutback comes in, but whoever said we had to go cold turkey? Less is more this is for sure so let’s just leave it at that! Less sugar, less Instagram, less alcohol, less complaining.. whatever it is know that mistakes or indulgences will be made and that’s completely normal. We aren’t trying to be stressed and neglect ourselves for the upcoming year. Enjoy your life but maybe just attempt a cutback. YOU know what that looks like for you.

Because the New Year is supposed to inspire and be a clean slate don’t start the year with stressful rules. Have a little fun this year with easy New Year’s resolution ideas that are actually achievable. That way you can feel great about yourself all year long!

Share your resolutions in the comments below and Happy New Year!!