Mike
Most of us are aiming for a fresh start in 2021. 2020 was a nightmare pretty much across the board, but that’s no reason to think we can’t get things back on track.
America seems more divided than ever in recent history, but we are all still Americans. We are more similar than we like to think. Like when it comes to the most popular New Year’s resolutions, the bulk of us fall into the same basic camps.
The Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions In Each State
Therapy
It is comforting to know that therapy is the most common resolution with 12 states. Our country has a pretty massive communication problem and it would be best addressed from the ground up.
Now, our country is awesome at a lot of things, but finding a good licensed therapist who takes your insurance ain’t one of them.
You have options. If this pandemic taught us anything, it’s that so many things can be done remotely. While I do think therapy is best done in person, using Facetime or Zoom is an easier and often cheaper option. There are also apps like TalkSpace and BetterHelp.
Weight Loss
The next most common resolution is weight loss. In a country with so much cheap fast food and snacks on every corner, gaining weight is bound to happen.
So many factors can affect your weight. Genetics, economic situation, and even stress. There’s also whatever diet of the month is going around. Atkins, Keto, some kind of juice cleanse that’s really just ballerina diarrhea tea… What it really boils down to is burning more calories than you put in. Not easy in practice, but it’s simple math.
Dating
The next most common resolution is dating related. Pandemics aren’t exactly a great time to meet new people, and quarantines, as it turns out, make the divorce rate skyrocket. Nothing puts a relationship to the test like 24/7 togetherness.
As someone who is single and been navigating the apps for a while now, I can give some advice. The first piece being, use the apps. Even before the pandemic, it seems no one meets organically anymore. Not that you can’t, it just isn’t the norm anymore.
Here’s the breakdown as I see it:
- Tinder – For more casual dating
- Bumble – Women start the chat first
- Hinge – More in-depth profiles
- OkCupid – If you’re on here just get a bunch of cats and be done with it
- FarmersOnly – Farmers only
Better Sleep
Another common resolution and maybe the most important of them all. Many studies have been done showing how sleep affects both your physical and mental health. As with weight, genetic play a big role in exactly how much sleep you need to function at an optimal rate. While some people can get 3 hours of sleep every night and operate just fine, others would completely fall apart. The trick is finding what works best for you.
I like using a sleep tracker. My fav is the Whoop strap. It accurately tracks not just how long you sleep, but the quality of the sleep. I know since I’ve started wearing mine I’ve paid closer attention to getting rest when I need it.
Getting A New, Better Job
With record numbers of folks losing their jobs and businesses in 2020, it’s no surprise to see this as a resolution. Finding a new, better job isn’t easy, but it’s a goal you deserve to strive for.
I honestly wish I could help everyone here. Almost no one “loves” their job, but I’ve found the key is to find something you at least don’t wake up dreading. Apply! Keep applying, and follow up. Search job boards. It can’t hurt to try.
Saving Money/Going On A Vacation
These were tied neck and neck. Vacations are expensive, and saving money can feel almost impossible. However, if you are going to spend money on something you should go on vacation. Objects can be lost or sold, but experiences last forever.
I recommend Bali. Yes, it is expensive (and takes forever) to get there. Though once you are there it is shockingly inexpensive and most prices are negotiable. The land and the people are equally incredible. Ubud and Seminyak are both great places to start. Especially the monkey forest and beaches.
h/t Zippia