“Add to Your Happiness”: 5 Positive New Year’s Resolutions for This Year and Every Year

As each new year arrives, many of us find ourselves swept up in the excitement of a fresh start. But the potential can sometimes turn to pressure as we set grand (and often unrealistic) New Year’s resolutions. While detailing specific goals — like vowing to get healthy, cut back on TV, and finally pursue that big dream you’ve had — works for many, others may benefit from a different approach. Marriage and family therapist Paula Delehanty recommends framing resolutions as practices instead of restrictions. “The resolution could be, ‘I’m going to practice smiling more,’” she tells Nice News, adding that “the emphasis is not on ‘how can I improve myself?’” but rather, “‘how can I add to my happiness?’” We picked out five science-backed practices that can help add to your happiness this year — and every year. Some you may already have on your radar, like giving back, giving thanks, and nurturing your relationships, but we also suggest adding music and dancing to your list. Click below to dig into the reasoning behind Nice News’ resolutions.

Nice News’ Resolutions