10 Tips for Making Resolutions
A “resolution” is often worded as NOT doing something. But that’s not a great way to make small improvements in your life. Here are some tips.
Frame Your Resolution Positively
1. Avoid wording your resolution negatively, such as “quitting” or “stopping” a behavior.
2. Set aside time on your calendar to pause and reflect.
3. Keep it simple. Settle on one or two goals. Not a big list.
4. Pick a goal you think will make you feel better. Not just something that you think you should do or what society is telling you to change.
5. Define a goal that is specific and measurable. Keep track of your progress in a notebook or journal.
6. When you think about what you wish to achieve, consider what obstacles could get in your way and see how to remove those barriers.
7. Define a goal that is time-bound and realistic. Plan for a month at a time, not a lifetime.
8. Create an incentive.
9. Change up your routine.
10. If you slip up, don’t worry about it. But if you slip again, reconsider your plan. Are you too ambitious?
Is Volunteering in your community one of your New Year’s Resolutions?
How about delivering Meals on Wheels?
An often-touted benefit of Meals on Wheels for recipients is the connection to their community that comes from a daily volunteer visit. Could it be that volunteers receive a similar benefit from being part of something bigger?
Meals on Wheels volunteers can sign up to deliver meals once a week, or even once a month, which offers volunteers the chance to regularly connect with each other and the people they deliver to. For those looking for a way to get more involved in their communities, it’s a great place to start.
Most local Meals on Wheels programs currently need volunteers, with many older volunteers leaving for warmer locations during the winter. You can learn more about becoming a delivery volunteer and sign up here. Whichever way you choose to get involved, giving back to your community can also be a great way to improve your own well-being.
Ramsey County provides a food resource page on their website. It includes guides to finding food by Ramsey County neighborhood to help in locating meals, groceries, and other food-related assistance.
Ramsey County: Birding checklist
More than 240 identified bird species have been spotted in Ramsey County, and more than 100 of those regularly stay to nest. Spring and summer are the prime seasons for bird watching, but even in winter about 35 species remain in the county.
What have you spotted out your window this winter?
Use the Ramsey County Bird Checklist (PDF) to track your progress!
Health and safety tips
Tips for preparing for winter weather can be found on the Winter Storms & Extreme Cold webpage.
The CDC’s Extreme Cold Guide provides information on preparing your home and car, dressing for and understanding wind chill, and avoiding cold-weather health emergencies.
Steps you can take to stay safe include:
Packing an emergency kit for your car.
Heating your home safely. Be careful with space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.
Dressing warmly and using layers. Do not leave areas of the skin exposed to the cold.
Seeking medical attention for someone experiencing hypothermia or frostbite.
Emergency housing
If you know someone who needs help with emergency housing in the cold, please view our Housing Services and Support webpage, or call 651-266-1050.
Stay warm
If you are looking for a warm place during the day, seek out heated public facilities during their open hours.
Warming spaces
Winter warming spaces are open through February 28, 2023 from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Saint Paul locations:
The Holy Christian Church - 125 Stevens St. W
Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran - 100 N Oxford St.
Phalen Activity Center - 1530 Phalen Dr.
Newell Park Building - 900 Fairview Ave N.
