Around this time of year, many of us are preparing ourselves for all the things we want to "give up" in order to lose weight: dessert, alcohol, carbs, late night snacking, etc. How many of us have considered finding spiritual and behavioral solutions, instead, to achieve fulfillment, rather than drastic diet changes to achieve the perfect body? 

Here are some resolutions that we consider to be very reasonable. In fact, why not add more of something instead of less?

Read more.

Now, while reading tons of articles and blurbs online can keep you well informed, I'm talking about a more therapeutic version of reading - real books! It could be an informational book, a memoir, or, better yet, a novel - don't underestimate the benefits of tapping into your imagination and getting lost in a made up story. The idea is to connect to one subject or text rather than a sea of clicking on links. This is more calming and focused than surfing the web. Even as little as five pages each day will give you some fundamental brainpower!

Give more.

Volunteering your time is a great way to do this, especially if you're tight on money. Think about who and what you enjoy being around - animals, children, elderly, special events - and combine that with your strengths or availability. If you're available during afternoons, you could tutor at an elementary school. If you never know when you'll have some spare time, become a volunteer to socialize animals at the local shelter, where you can likely drop in. The time commitment may seem overwhelming at first so treat it like a real part of your schedule. The rewarding feeling is unmatchable.

Sympathize more.

This will help you to get angry less. Technically, you allow anger to arise, but you choose to not react. Of course there will always be frustrating and unfair people or situations, but how you react is your choice. Think of one reason, in every situation, why that may have understandably happened. This always helps me leave the situation peacefully. For example, what if that driver who cut you off is someone's grandma? You wouldn't want someone to flip off your grandma if she made a mistake! Sure, it could have been a jerk who always drives like a maniac, but you don't know that. Give people the benefit of the doubt, assume they're trying their best even if it doesn't show. For your own sanity if nothing else!

Forgive yourself more.

Have you ever eaten two slices of cake and told yourself you'll definitely start a juice cleanse on Monday morning, only to realize you're hungry for breakfast Monday morning? Stop making drastic promises! You're setting yourself up for failure and habitually doing this is a vicious cycle. Sometimes I'll dwell on what seemed like an awkward social interaction I had with someone. Look, its all said and done, just bounce back and move on!

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