BLOGGING THE VIEW: Fun facts about New Year’s resolutions

IT’S that time of year again, where we reassess our lives and decide where we could improve. Setting New Year’s resolutions is often the height of optimism, but it’s a tradition that goes back thousands of years, and really, any time we’re looking to improve ourselves is a good thing! Here are some interesting facts about New Year’s resolutions.

1. Interesting origins
It’s believed that this tradition started as far back as 4 000 years ago when the Babylonians started their New Year with an 11-day festival. They made resolutions, which were in the form of promises to their gods, as a way to win their favour for the coming year.

2. The most common resolution
While we all come up with some inventive resolutions such as less screen time and more time spent on productive hobbies, the most common resolution is losing weight. This comes in the form of increasing daily exercise, eating less, and getting healthier.

3. Another common goal
Another recent resolution that has become quite commonplace is known as Dry January, whereby you abstain from all alcohol for 31 days. This kicked a lot of South Africans in 2020 when Dry January was extended by the hard lockdown measures, but it’s still a good way to get healthier.

4. The odds are against us
These days, if you keep your New Year’s resolutions longer than January, it’s impressive. The truth is, most of us will fail on our resolutions, with only around 8% of people committing to them – according to the University of Scranton. Try break the trend this year and actually stick to your resolve!

5. The day that breaks us
In fact, there’s one day, in particular, that seems to be the brick wall when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. According to the fitness app Strava, 19 January is what they refer to as ‘Quitter’s Day’ because it’s when most people drop the pretense and go back to old habits.

6. The three-month mark
While making it past January is impressive for your New Year’s resolutions, making it past March is even more impressive because nearly 40% of resolutions drop away from this point.

7. Get vocal
Apparently one of the most sure-fire ways to stick to your New Year’s resolutions is to say them aloud and repeat them often. This will make you more accountable. Another way is to partner with someone, or get a sponsor of some sort so that you’re being held accountable outside of yourself!

Whatever way you tackle it, try to make fewer resolutions with more attainable goals. Even just one simple resolution that you can stick to is better than a whole bundle you won’t be able to stick to past 19 January. And get a friend to support you on your journey to a happier, healthier 2023!

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