4 New Year Resolutions for 2022

The Omicron variant running rampant isn’t making it any easier to reintroduce old favorites like traveling more and hitting the gym, so we have to continue to get creative when making our list of resolutions this year. If you had any interest in trying a new hobby or learning new recipes, you probably pursued those interests during your time at home over the last couple of years, so those are also out of the running. But resolutions are all about enhancing our lives and improving the way we interact with the world, so there are still plenty of options left.
 
 If you need a bit of inspiration, here are four you might want to consider.
 
1. Increase your water-saving efforts.
Don’t let our recent rain fool you: We are still in a state of increasing drought and are looking at more mandatory water use restrictions in the coming year.
 
If you need to level up your water-conservation skills, you can start with some water-saving resolutions I included in my New Year’s column a few years ago, including installing a rain barrel, participating in Meatless Mondays, insulating your pipes, covering your pool, and installing a graywater system. If you already have these practices in place, take it a step further by installing an automatic drip system, saving your cooking water to use for irrigation, or using a bucket to collect water while your shower warms up.
 
2. Make time for self-care.
We have all had a rough couple of years. Although we are settling into our new normal, managing mask mandates, figuring out who is and isn’t vaccinated, and having to weigh the risks and benefits of every dinner out with friends or trip to grandma’s house continues to take its toll.
 
Commit to making time for self-care this year. This might include COVID-friendly camping at Lake Casitas, scheduling hikes or outdoor dining with friends, treating yourself to an energy healing session, or having regular at-home spa days.
 
3. Support local businesses and contractors.
I know local contractors are booked solid and have been difficult to schedule throughout the pandemic and that Amazon is the most convenient way to buy pretty much everything you need. It can be tempting to take the easy way out, but we build a stronger community when we keep our money local and support local businesses.
 
Make it one of your resolutions to continue using local contractors and supporting local businesses so that we can all come out of the pandemic stronger and more connected. One easy way to do this even if you are following pretty strict protocols is to head to the farmers market to support local farmers and makers.
 
4. Live in line with your values.
One thing that many of us gained from the pandemic is a clearer list of priorities. We know what is important to us, know where we want to focus our energy, and have a better understanding of our life goals. This provides us with an opportunity to clarify our values and take steps to live by them.
 
Create resolutions that help you define and live by your values.

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AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, green living and travel writing. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.