12 GOOD HABITS TO DEVELOP IN 2015

We’ve all heard tips on how to break bad habits, but we don’t often hear about forming good ones.
Here are 12 habits you may want to develop in the New Year.

JANUARY

A brand new year stretches before you. It’s a time of new beginnings—no matter how many New Year’s you’ve rung in.
Developing healthy habits is on many people’s list of resolutions. It’s never too late to add this to your list. This month, as you’re able, seek to be more active. (Be sure to check with a professional who knows your specific limitations.)

FEBRUARY

Mention February and many people think of Valentine’s Day. Of course every month is a good month to express our love for family and friends, but why not do so in a special way this month? And if you have the opportunity to befriend someone who’s lonely, it will do you both a lot of good.

MARCH

Physical activity goes hand in hand with healthy eating. Eating well can help you think more clearly, feel more energized, and have a more positive attitude. Pay attention to the effects of the foods you eat, and seek to make good choices.

APRIL

Springtime . . . the crocuses and tulips are blooming, chasing away the monochromatic colour scheme of winter. Plants make a great addition to any room. If you don’t have a plant on your windowsill, this is a great time to get one. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, try a cactus or other type of succulent. They require very little attention and yet add life to your surroundings.

MAY

Plants are great . . . and so are pets. While it may not be possible to keep a dog or cat, you may want to consider getting a fish or two. They add a splash of colour (pun intended). It’s fun and relatively easy to care for them. And many people find it relaxing to watch them swim around their bowl.

JUNE

Each year thousands of new books hit the shelves. June—any month really—is a great time to visit the local library or bookstore and select a book that interests you. If you’re not able to get out, you can order books online. Large print and audiobooks are helpful options for those who have difficulty with their eyesight.

JULY

Not everyone is able to get away on holidays, but this is a great time of year to do vacationy-type things. Day trips can be a lot of fun. Or maybe you want to plan a little get-together with a vacation theme. Brainstorm with a few of your friends and see what ideas you come up with. Who knows? You may even want to make this a regular event?

AUGUST

The days are often sunny and warm. Wouldn’t it be great if people used these words to describe you as well? Make it a habit to be caring and upbeat, and it’s bound to happen. See if you can do something nice for someone every day this month. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Even a smile or kind word can go a long way to brighten someone’s day.

SEPTEMBER

Dubbed in recent years “the most wonderful time of the year” because children are heading back to school, September reminds us of the excitement of learning new things.
Why not take a course or learn a new hobby? It’s never too late to learn something new.

OCTOBER

Thanksgiving rolls around this month. It’s the perfect time to compile a gratitude journal to share with family and friends . . . or simply to keep for yourself. Even if it was a challenging year, try to think of all the things you have to be thankful for and make note of them.

NOVEMBER

Time to revisit your eating and exercise habits. Have you been more active? Have you sought to eat well? Even if you have, maybe it’s time to try something new—just to make sure you don’t get bored. Have fun and enjoy!

DECEMBER

And whoosh, another year comes to a close. (Boy, that was fast!)
It’s that time again, time to look back over the year and see what new habits you’ve formed and decide which you are going to work on in the year ahead.