New Year's Resolutions that Don't Cost a Thing

I don't want to point any fingers here, but there are those of you out there who are avoiding the time-honored tradition of New Year's resolutions simply because you're a little short on cash. You think just because you can't afford a fancy new gym membership or a Costco-sized supply of Nicoderm that you are off the hook for even the slightest hint of self-improvement.

Sorry Charlie, but there are plenty of little things to do this New Year that can make significant positive impacts on your health and life. And the ones I'm about to share cost nothing to almost nothing. Some will even save you some cash. And some could even be described as pleasant, I swear.

Read on, grasshoppers!

Sleep More

Didn't I tell you some of these would be pleasant? If you are one of those people who think a full night's sleep is for weaklings and that you have far better things to do, think again. Besides the obvious immediate benefits of being more alert and less tired, getting an ample amount of sleep has all sorts of long-term health benefits from preventing the common cold to helping stave off inflammation (that's dangerous to heart health!) and insulin resistance. For you young folks to whom inflammation is an unfamiliar word, let me break down another benefit for you in terms you'll understand: getting enough sleep can help make you NOT FAT. For realsies! Check out this detailed Web Md article on The Healing Power of Sleep for more info.

Floss

Flossing isn't particularly pleasant, and most of us wait until just before bed to do it. But I can't stress this enough:  You've got to do it! Besides making you a less gross human being in general and improving periodontal health, flossing gets rid of bacteria that can affect--get this--your heart and your lungs! I was a little suspicious of this claim the first few times I read it. But after dozens of articles over the last few years, the evidence is a little hard to ignore. Spending two minutes a day doing something something that can prolong the life of your essential internal organs is a pretty good investment, doncha think?

Go For a Walk

You didn't think we'd get through this post without some kind of exercise tip, did you? Walking is a fantastic exercise because just about anyone can do it, it doesn't cost anything and, frankly,  it doesn't really feel like exercise. If you are looking to lose weight or get in shape, going for a walk after dinner or on your lunch hour is a great first step. If you are already in decent shape, taking even a short walk is great stress relief, can elevate your mood, improve circulation and prevent fatigue. I like walking because it is excuse-proof: you don't need special workout clothes, you can do it almost anywhere, and you rarely need a shower afterward. Get walking!

What are some low cost resolutions you are making this year?