Donna Sines
Community Vision

It is that time of year again… a time of renewal, hope and the season for making New Year resolutions.  

According to a Pittsburgh study here are the top 10 resolutions for 2013.

1. Spending more time with family and friends

This shows that more than 50 percent of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Having dinner together as a family a few times a week is the best way to connect and strengthen bonds.

2. Get fit

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others provide the evidence for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. The gym is usually full until February, when the commitment wanes.

3. Lose Weight

More than 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program. It also helps to partner up with a friend also wanting to shed a few. Lively competition and support can be just the ticket to weight loss success.

4. Quit Smoking

Over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Local hospital sponsor free smoking cession classes as does the health department.

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that enjoying life more has become a popular resolution in recent years.  Plan to do something on a regular basis that nourishes the soul. Take an art class, plant a garden, book a massage, or restore that old chair and table with all the memories attached.  We spend so much of our time doing for others we fail to look for an activity that provides the respite needed so desperately.

6. Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking habits. AA has published meeting time and convenient locations if alcohol is playing too big of a role in health and happiness.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. University of Florida Osceola Extension Services offer free classes in money management… Call, sign up and develop a plan with professional expertise and support.

8. Learn Something New

Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Check out the class offerings at Valencia College and Technical Education Program/TECO. Many things might peak you interest and now through a partnership between Valencia and UCF you can earn a four year degree without leaving the county.  

9. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top 10 list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it. Start by doing one area or room at a time. A good place to get going is the bathroom.  Purging yourself of all those hair products you never use and out dated medicine will be motivation in tackling the bigger challenges like your office, kitchen drawers, garage and shed.  Once de-cluttered, allow yourself 15 minutes a day to stay on top of it.  All that stuff is accumulated over time and the magnitude of the problem become paralyzing.

10. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your favorite charity, mentoring a child, coaching a youth team, singing in the choir, or building a Habitat house, there are many volunteer organizations that could really use your help.  

This recession has played havoc with the already meager resources. Staff size has shrunk while need is grown. Whatever time you could give local agencies have a place for your talents. But, where to start? A major reason people avoid getting involved in community volunteer work is not because they don’t care but rather the lack of knowing where to look for direction or how demanding the volunteer role is.  You can find a list of local agencies by visiting the Community Vision website www.communityvisiion.org  peruse the Family Resource Guide for information on the mission of Osceola agencies as well as contact information.  

Giving back will be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. The executive director or volunteer coordinator would be happy to talk to any potential volunteer with regard to openings. Every agency may not be a good fit for your talents so take you time before committing.  

Happy New Year to all my readers!  I hope this next year brings you health, and happiness

Donna Sines is the executive director of Community Vision.