From making a meaningful impact on our canals and rivers to improving your own wellbeing, the best New Year's resolutions are those that make a difference.
Litter-picking as part of our Plastics Challenge
We know it can be hard to stick to New Year's resolutions. As winter turns to spring, you might find yourself wondering 'what's the point?'
But rather than brush that thought away, ask yourself again, what is the point? What will happen if you don't continue your resolution? If the answer is 'not much', then you might have set the wrong goal.
New Year's resolutions with a purpose
The best resolutions to stick to are those with a point and a purpose.
For 2025, here are five resolutions you can make that will make a positive difference.
Volunteers helping to clean-up plastic pollution at Gloucester Docks
1. Volunteer in a way that works for you
Volunteering is a classic New Year's resolution, but sometimes it can be hard to commit long-term.
The good news is, we have a variety of volunteering roles across England and Wales that cater for all schedules, no matter how hectic. The even better news is, they all make a positive impact in some way.
Whether it's through litter-picking, helping nature thrive or keeping history alive, it's all volunteering work with a purpose. You can volunteer with us via drop-in sessions with our Towpath Taskforce teams or join us on an ongoing basis.
It's really that simple. We've all heard and read the studies. Spending time outside can benefit you both mentally and physically. But did you know our findings show that spending time specifically by water can boost your wellbeing even further?
Make a pledge with yourself to visit your local canal on a regular basis. Whether you choose to stroll along the towpath with friends, perch in a favoured spot for some thinking time or don your trainers for a lunchtime jog, you're bound to feel the benefit.
3. Take up a fun new hobby
If you're keen to get more active in 2025, thoughts of joining a gym or a fitness class may have crossed your mind. And while you may sign up 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 the fees each month and feeling guilty about the wasted money.
Remember what we said about spending time in the open air being a great wellbeing booster? Combine the great outdoors with some fun activities and you're onto a winner.
Getting close to nature can reduce stress, increase energy levels and even give your creativity a boost.
Our canals carve green corridors through some of our busiest towns and cities, so it's easy to take to the towpath and see what nature and wildlife you can spot. From the shy water vole to the well-loved mallard, our canals are teeming with life all year-round.
