3 Life-Changing New Year’s Resolutions for 2025

“Discover how to stick to your 2025 resolutions with tips on reading, learning new skills, and winter exercise—all with a Montana twist!”

The last three top New Year's resolutions people often aim for are to read more, learn something new, and exercise more. At their core, these goals share a common theme: prioritizing oneself. Not only are they great for the mind and body, but when approached in the right way, they can also be genuinely enjoyable! I’ll even go as far as to say, for you multitaskers, you could tackle all three at once. Talk about efficient self-care time—haha!

Let me be real for a moment: writing this article is as much a reminder for me as it is for you. In 2024, I set these same goals for myself. I spent a lot of time thinking, planning, and buying things to “set myself up for success,” only to not follow through. Moving into 2025, I’ve decided to look at those efforts not as failures or wasted money but as stepping stones. They’ve brought me closer to a point where I can not only follow through but also truly enjoy the process!

What Prioritizing Oneself Means

Prioritizing oneself means making your well-being—physical, mental, and emotional—a priority. You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” And it’s true! Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a form of self-respect that allows you to live the life you want and better support those around you.

From personal experience, I notice a tangible shift in my mood and behavior when I take time to do things I enjoy, learn something new, or focus on my health. I go from feeling pessimistic to optimistic, and I know I’m much more enjoyable to be around when I’m happy and fulfilled. Self-prioritization isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about being better for yourself and the people who matter most.

Okay, now that the deep thoughts are covered… let’s move onto the fun part. Let’s do something!

Resolution Read More: Your opening to a world of creativity

“Read more" is one of those resolutions that sounds a bit unexciting yet holds endless possibilities! And let’s be clear: reading doesn’t just mean burying your nose in a novel (although that’s a great option). It can be anything—books, magazines, blogs, or even audiobooks and podcasts if you prefer listening. Whether you’re diving into a page-turning thriller, skimming a glossy travel magazine, or letting an audiobook guide you through your commute, every bit of reading helps expand your perspective and spark new ideas.

Reading is not only enjoyable—it’s scientifically good for you! Research (🔗) shows that reading, even as little as 6 minutes a day, can:

• Improve your mood

• Reduce stress

• Help you sleep better

• Ward off cognitive decline

• Possibly even help you live longer!

Don’t have time to sit down with a book? No problem—pop in some earbuds and let a podcast or audiobook keep you company while you drive, cook, or work out. Want to keep it light? A few minutes flipping through an article on your phone during lunch counts too! Reading doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it’s about finding formats and topics that excite you.

And here’s the exciting part: what you read could lead you to your next resolution. Maybe that cookbook inspires you to try a new cuisine, or a podcast on home design gets you started on DIY projects. Even a fantasy novel might spark curiosity about mythology or history. Reading not only enriches your mind—it can plant the seeds for learning a new skill or hobby. So grab a book, hit play on that podcast, or scroll through that article—your next adventure might be waiting on the next page (or track)!

Combine reading with mingling!  Colette and I started a book club last year and would love for you to join! Check out info here!  

You can also check out staff favorites if you are looking for a bit of inspiration! 

Resolution: Learn a New Skill or Hobby – It Will Seriously Change Your Life!

Did that book, podcast, or magazine you finally dove into spark your creativity, or are you still waiting for inspiration to strike? No worries, either way! Learning a new skill or hobby is one of my favorite resolutions—it’s full of potential and possibility. Personally, the nerd in me loves the thrill of learning, and yes, I have grand ambitions of becoming the next Martha Stewart. #CraftingWithCarrie (not a thing yet, but maybe one day!).

Why Learning Something New is Life-Changing

• Boosts Brain Health: Learning new skills promotes neuroplasticity (the formation of new neural connections), keeping your brain sharp and slowing cognitive aging.(🔗)

• Improves Memory: Studies show that mental challenges, like picking up a new hobby, can improve memory retention.(🔗)

• Enhances Mental Health: Engaging in hobbies has been linked to greater happiness and life satisfaction.(🔗)

• Reduces Stress: Creative activities like crafting, painting, or even gardening can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. (🔗)

• Improves Physical Health: Hobbies like dancing, hiking, or learning a sport combine fun with fitness, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.(🔗)

Ideas for New Skills or Hobbies

• Learn to play a musical instrument (hello, ukulele or piano!).

• Try your hand at painting, drawing, or digital design.

• Take a cooking or baking class and perfect your pasta making!.

• Dive into a new language and explore new cultures.

• Get into DIY projects—from home décor to building furniture.

• Try a movement-based hobby like yoga, dance, or martial arts.

• Start writing—a blog, short stories, or even journaling.

• Take up gardening or learn about sustainable living practices.

Click Here to see our locals list of places that might spark your new life passion!

What If You’re Not Good At It?

Trust me, I get it. Self-doubt is part of the process. But here’s the thing: even if your first attempt doesn’t stick, it might lead you to something that will. Trying new things opens doors you didn’t know existed—and sometimes, it’s the journey, not the destination, that changes your life.

Take the leap, pick up that paintbrush, sign up for that class, or finally learn how to make sourdough bread. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25, 45, or 75. Who knows? You might just discover your new passion—and become healthier and happier along the way!

Resolution: Exercise More – The Essential That Always Seems Hard to Do

Ah, "exercise more"—the resolution that somehow manages to feel both totally necessary and impossibly daunting at the same time. If this resolution is on your list, I’d bet that, like me, prioritizing exercise isn’t exactly at the top of your to-do list—despite knowing how important it is. I used to think that if I wasn’t hitting the gym or doing a structured workout class, all the running around I did in daily life didn’t “count” as exercise. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: exercising more doesn’t mean you have to become a gym rat or spend hours sweating it out on a treadmill. It’s about finding simple, enjoyable ways to move your body more often.

Living in Montana gives us a unique opportunity to embrace exercise in a way that fits naturally with our stunning outdoor surroundings—even in the winter. Here’s why it’s worth braving the cold:

The Benefits of Movement (Even in the Winter!)

• Burns More Calories: Walking in colder weather forces your body to work harder to stay warm, increasing calorie expenditure.(🔗) 

• Boosts Your Mood: Exposure to natural light and movement can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).(🔗)

• Improves Cardiovascular Health: Just 10 minutes of brisk walking a day can improve heart health and circulation.(🔗)

• Releases Endorphins: Even short bursts of movement release those feel-good hormones that keep us going through long winters. (🔗)

• Lowers the Risk of Chronic Illnesses: Studies show 150 minutes of moderate activity per week can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes..(🔗)

Simple Ways to Get Moving This Winter

• Take a brisk walk with a friend or your dog.

• Try skiing, snowshoeing, or other winter sports.

• Shovel the driveway (hello, full-body workout!).

• Stretch or do yoga while watching your favorite show.

• Dance to your favorite playlist for 10 minutes.

• Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator when running errands.

The key is to keep it fun and realistic. Movement is movement—even small efforts add up over time. Breaking it into smaller chunks, like three 10-minute walks a day, works just as well as a longer session.

The key is to shift your mindset: exercise doesn’t have to be extreme or time-consuming to count. Focus on activities you enjoy and weave them into your daily routine. Your body, mind, and mood will thank you—and who knows? You might even start looking forward to it!

Click Here to see a list of some of our favorite places to get exercise locally!

Let us know how your resolutions are coming along and stop in Haskill and say hi!  If there is anything we can do to help you be your best self, don’t hesitate to ask!

If you missed part 1 & 2 of our New Year’s Resolutions Series, check them out below!

Mingle Project

Conscious Consumption