How many of us are guilty of making the same resolutions each year and then not keeping them? To help get 2021 started in the best possible way, we've listed some of the most commonly broken resolutions along with some more realistic alternatives.
Join a Gym
While you join with the best of intentions, how long will you keep it up? By March you'll have perfected your excuses for not going, you'll still be paying for it each month and feeling guilty about the wasted money.
It doesn't have to be like this. Look to exercise in the open air and you'll be more likely to stick with a new regime. Come and jog or cycle along one of our waterways and we promise it will never get boring. The scenery changes dramatically through the year and exercise by water is a great way to clear your head and get away from everyday stress.
Travel
If 2020 has taught us anything it's that there's beauty right on our doorstep.
Most of us travel to see new places, enjoy new experiences and to relax and get away from it all. The great news is that you can do all of this down by your local canal or river. Step onto one of our towpaths and life slows down, you'll meet new people and you could even spot a kingfisher or a heron.
Diet
Taking care of what you eat is a good thing to do but diets that start on 1 January are doomed to fail. We often make the mistake of setting unrealistic goals.
Instead of saying "I'm going to lose weight this year" why not focus on getting fit and giving yourself a target of three brisk walks by the canal each week?
Our traffic-free towpaths are the perfect place to get some exercise. Whether you nip out on your lunch break or take to the towpath before you do your weekly shopping, commit to getting some fresh air each week.
Learn a musical instrument
You'll spend money on an instrument and possibly even lessons but are you going to keep up the enthusiasm year-round?
If you want to learn new skills why don't you consider volunteering? You'll meet new people and make a real difference to your local community.
See more of your friends and family
We all hope that 2021 is going to be a year where we can reconnect with the people we're closest to. Why don't you be a little more specific and make a resolution that you want to spend more quality time with your friends and family?
Meet up at your nearest canal and watch the real world travel past.
If there are any children in your group take a look at our recommended destinations. You can download spreadsheets of fun family activities and make lasting memories.
We'd love to tell you more
Our newsletter is packed full of exciting updates and stories of how our charity keeps canals alive.
