The new year is always a great time to reflect on where you have been and set goals for how you want to live your life for the upcoming 365 days. New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be a hard and radical lifestyle change–in fact, that makes it much harder to make them actually come to fruition!
Instead, check out some ideas for a New Year’s resolution that not only will make you feel better, but also will improve the lives of those around you. We even have tangible ideas to get you started on how to make them happen.
In 2016, I want to….
Spend more time with family
Have you heard about our Family Volunteer series? We host these free events at our United Way offices in East Austin, and they are a great way to encourage your little ones to learn about giving back in an engaging way. Our next Family Volunteer event takes place on February 6th from 10 a.m. to noon, and we will be making Valentine’s Day cards to show our appreciation for the local agencies we work with. Keep an eye out on the Hands On Central Texas site for more details coming soon and to sign up.
Meet new people
Check out our United Way giving societies: the Women’s Leadership Council, the Young Leaders Society and the Century Investors. Each group is made up of some of our most philanthropic supporters, who share common interests, enjoy networking events, and volunteer and advocate together. Learn more about our giving societies and see which group is right for you!
Get healthier
Our partnership with IT’S TIME TEXAS aims to make being healthier easier. The Choose Healthier Coach Hotline is a free service that connects you to health coaches who can answer your questions about physical activity, healthy eating and general wellness, and help you locate local healthy resources. They can even help you set goals and come up with fitness plans for yourself and your entire family. The Choose Healthier Hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; call 1-(844)-26COACH. Learn more on the IT’S TIME TEXAS website.
Expand your skills
Use your expertise to help your community and expand on your existing skills. By serving on a nonprofit board, you can network with other dedicated community members and serve others by doing what you do best. Check out local board openings on the 501 Community website.
Simplify your space
One of the easiest places to start is your closet. By getting rid of items you haven’t worn in a year or more, you can give these items new life by donating them as well as simplify your space. This post from Apartment Therapy lists multiple places you can drop off your clothes for a good cause.
Be happier
Studies show that volunteering can lessen depression, make you happier and even help you live longer. We run Hands On Central Texas, the largest volunteer network in Central Texas. Whether you’re interested in outdoor projects, mentoring, providing childcare to families taking ESL or financial classes, crafting or something else, we’ve got volunteer projects for everyone on the Hands On Central Texas site. Create your profile today and get volunteering!