New Year’s resolutions can be skipped this year

It’s okay to skip New Year’s resolutions this year.

New Year’s resolutions are a holiday tradition, sure. But 2020 was exhausting for a variety of reasons, and just surviving it is an accomplishment. The early part of 2021 looks to be much the same road until the pandemic has been contained or slowed down in some way.

So it’s okay if you don’t make New Year’s resolutions this year.

Do you want to eat healthier this year? Try to make a habit of getting fruits and vegetables during your grocery pickup runs, but understand that sometimes we just need something comforting like candy or chocolate, and that’s okay, too.

Moderation makes everything better, and so that applies when it comes to the pantry as well – occasionally indulging in splurges make the typical routine easier to swallow.

If your planned New Year’s resolution was to go to the gym more often – well, that’s probably out, but you can still run on the treadmill or stationary bike at home, or go walking or running outside in a park. Backyard games with the dog certainly count, too, as would basketball in the driveway.

There are video game apps like the Ring Fit for the Nintendo Switch that could help your fitness journey as well, if that’s more of your personality.

According to the History Channel, the practice of New Year’s resolutions probably started with the ancient Babylonians, who celebrated a festival called Akitu each March to welcome in their new year, where the common people would make promises to their gods and swear allegiance to their new king when the ruler changed.

During the early part of the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar rearranged the calendar for easier record-keeping, establishing January 1 as the beginning of the new year, and the minor god Janus reigned over that day, able to see both into the past and into the future thanks to his two heads. So the Romans made special sacrifices to Janus around this time and made promises that their conduct would be better in the days ahead.

So just to recap, it’s all right if you forgo the New Year’s resolutions this year. Just try to take life a day at a time, and hopefully make the world a better place while doing so.