11 Ways to Start the New Year on a Positive Note ...

I do this every year. I’ve only done this with Facebook, but you can revamp any social network, such as Twitter, Tumblr, etc. Go through your followers and friends. Have you spoken to your Facebook friends within a year or two? If not, delete them. If neither of you have made an effort to contact each other, it shows that you’ve grown apart, so go ahead and delete them. You can also go through old photos (such as ones of your ex). It’s also a good way of getting over a break up and starting anew. One of the most important ways to start the New Year off on a positive note is to get rid of anything that is holding you back (and ex-boyfriends can do just that!) so that you can start afresh.

Go through your closet. More than likely, there are shirts you loved, but don’t fit in anymore or that sweater your grandmother gave you but you never wore. Instead of throwing them in the trash, donate them to a local charity.

Make a resolution. I understand it’s not as easy as it sounds, but I’m not saying to make a life-altering change that requires a whole lot of effort and stress on your part. Make a resolution to smile more or discover a particular inspirational quote and make that your mantra whenever times get tough.

Whether it is attending a Zumba class instead of your normal Yoga class or learning to play a new instrument, the key here is to try something you haven’t tried before. It could even be something small, like trying a new recipe or a new do-it-yourself project.

Find something you enjoy doing in order to release the stress of your daily routine. Whether it is taking a short run, sitting down to read a good book with a hot cup of tea or sleeping late on the weekends, the main idea is to relax from all the hustle and bustle of your busy life.

It doesn’t have to be something completely outrageous or out of your comfort zone, but a change in your makeup routine may add a new sparkle to your usual look. Invest in a new lip color or eye shadow palette.

I’m usually in a hurry and save my computer documents wherever the default save option leads them to. Then, I can’t find them! Go through your files and delete any unnecessary documents. Organize them into folders where you can easily access them. Also, delete any applications you don’t use (on your phone, computer, tablet, etc). You can also conduct a disc defragmentation or disc clean up on your computer, which may make it run smoother and faster as well.

Although making resolutions as well as the other topics here are about ourselves, we should also take time out to do something nice for ourselves. Stretch, meditate, go for a walk, journal or just take a nap. There are lots of simple ways to be good to ourselves.

Exercise is important to optimal health and wellness so why not make a commitment to get fit or fitter? Even taking small steps such as taking the stairs, doing short workouts or taking walks during your lunch hour can make a huge difference in your overall mental and physical health and help make this year even better than the last!

I cannot think of a better way to start off the new year than by helping others! If there is an organization that you are interested in, look for opportunities to volunteer your time. If you need some ideas on where to start, try volunteermatch.org for some great ideas.

If you have a friend you have not spoken to in awhile or a distant family member you have been meaning to get in touch with, do it! Give them a call, write a letter or plan a trip to visit. It will feel great to catch up and you will wonder why you waited so long to get in touch. While you are at it, make a commitment to not let so much time go by before you contact your distant friends and family again.

Do you plan on using any of these tips to get yourself ready for the New Year? If not, do you have any other tips to share?

This article was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington.