5 Good New Year’s Resolutions That Get You Outside

Another year has passed, and a new one lies ahead of us. Now is the perfect opportunity to make good New Year’s resolutions that involve spending more time outdoors.

Since research shows that more time outdoors leads to better mental health, why not learn how to make a New Year’s resolution by setting goals for spending more time in nature? Be sure to mall steps and that change doesn't have to happen immediately.

1. Take more micro adventures

Outdoor adventures don’t have to be long or involve traveling much farther than outside your back door. Take a walk in a public park near your home, cast a line out in your neighborhood pond for an hour, or gaze up at the stars on a clear winter night. In fact, the best New Year resolution is often one that’s simple and easy to keep.

2. Give back to the outdoor community

Volunteer your time to help with aquatic habitat restoration efforts, donate some of your used fishing gear to a good cause, or sell your gear and donate the proceeds to one of your favorite outdoor programs. Many of the top New Year’s resolutions involve giving back because charity and volunteering not only benefit the recipient but can help you become happier and healthier too.

3. Watch more sunsets and sunrises

Setting aside time to watch a sunrise or sunset can help you start the day off in a relaxed state of mind or remind you of all the reasons to be grateful at the end of a beautiful day. This New Year health resolution may not involve losing weight or working out, but the health benefits of slowing down to enjoy time in nature are well-documented.

4. Bring along a trash bag

Bring along a trash bag for collecting litter on a fishing trip or walk along the beach. New Year’s resolutions for kids are more effective when they’re specific, so set a goal as a family to pick up at least five pieces of trash every time you go. If you live in near a beach, you can also find out when there are organized beach cleanup events planned for the year.

5. Spend a morning mentoring a new angler

Young anglers, as well as adults who didn’t have opportunities to learn fishing and boating skills when they were younger, can learn from someone who is more experienced. Teach them how to fish and boat responsibly so they can play a role in preserving our natural wild places and aquatic habitats for years to come. This might be the best New Year’s resolution you can make because someone who is mentored may pay it forward by mentoring others once they learn from you.

Feel free to share this list of five unique New Year’s resolutions with others. You’ll find that when you take even a few small steps to implement good New Year’s resolutions that benefit your community and environment, it can start a positive trend toward greater change.