New year’s resolutions revealed (not what you’d expect)

1 in 5 of us has made New Year’s resolutions this year, according to YouGov – that’s up from 1 in 7 last year. But 2023 is slightly different from other years – people seek to be happier and more fulfilled.

Think of a new year’s resolution, and you’ll think of exercise goals, losing weight, saving money, a new job, or even a hobby – but You Gov has revealed other motivators. 

New year’s resolutions are, after all, a pulse for what the general public is feeling, which translates into stress eating, lack of motivation to move, being buried under the cost of living crisis, feeling underappreciated, and even mentally unwell. 

The last few years have been and continue to be tough, leading to different resolutions.

House renovations

Consider then the pool of thought that people have no money and are spending more time at home – after being forced to stay home too. No wonder people spot the cracks and dated wallpaper – house renovations are topping resolution lists.

Spending more time with family

You’d be wrong if you thought that people had spent enough time with family through 2020. Next on the list is spending more time with family, perhaps motivated by working from home and understanding exactly what is important. These reflective moments have shifted the UK’s thinking – and we doubt it will be the same again. 

Spending less time on social media

We’ve all looked at the recorded hours spent on social media on our phones – averaging 3 ½ hours online daily for an adult, according to Ofcom. If you remove sleep and work, that amount of time can impact quality time with family, exercise, and productivity. 

Cutting alcohol and smoking

These more obvious new year’s resolutions are lower down the list than expected. Perhaps this is because fewer people smoke today than in previous years, and drinking has become expensive – a clear barrier when food is a higher priority.

Volunteering and raising money for charity 

There is no bigger boost than helping another person – it feels good instantly to help. It’s an area that the AoC understands well, and we welcome people’s call to give back. Perhaps accelerated by the news we hear of people struggling in the cost of living crisis – or war-torn countries – the UK public want to help.

How to make resolutions last all year

  1. SMART. Make your resolution an objective – something real and planned. Set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART). A good example is to aim to visit the gym once per week – then three will feel amazing, but you won’t get upset if you go once.
  2. Share. Share your goal with someone else (you’re more likely to stick to it) – this is called accountability.
  3. Sign up. Partner with an organization that can help. At the AoC, we always need charity support and would love to work with you to fundraise.
  4. Be kind. Understand the ‘ifs’ for when it’s impossible to carry out a task or when you might falter. Allow mistakes, bad days, and challenges along the way. 

If you’d like to work with the AoC to make some new year’s resolutions for your mental health or to fundraise for us – you can call 01384 211168 or email support@theaoc.org.uk.