Like most mum’s you probably made some New Year’s resolutions but, if you didn’t or you’ve broken them already – here are 8 that can put a smile on your face and perhaps money in your pocket.
Sleep More
Not always the easiest thing to do with a young family – but a good night’s sleep will enhance your appearance, your mood and your zest for life. If you’re struggling to sleep through the night because your children aren’t – take a nap when you can. All that extra time sleeping can also save you money as you won’t need the lights on or the heating.
Eat More Healthily
Eating healthily is something the whole family should give more consideration to; as it can help you lose weight and ward-off life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. It doesn’t mean eating has to be boring either as there are loads of tasty healthy-recipes out there – including ones for low-calorie puddings if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Cooking healthy food should also be cheaper than shop bought meals and, if time is a big issue, make big batches and then freeze some so it’s just like having ready meals – but healthier.
Stop Smoking
One of the most difficult things to give up – but wow will you feel the benefits both health-wise and in your pocket. If you’re smoking 20 cigarettes a day – that’s £50 a week or over £2,500 a year – now think what could you do with that!
Travel
Travelling more is a great new year’s resolution, and the desire to travel is a great motivation for wanting to achieve your other resolutions such as giving up smoking. Decide where you want to go, work out the cost, and then decide how your other resolutions can help you save the money.
Play Online Games
There are lots of fun ways to occupy yourself online apart from on Facebook and Twitter, and games are one of them. You can play everything from chess to bingo online. Some online bingo companies like this one even give you free money to play with just for becoming a member. You can then use that money to play for cash prizes and even jackpots. Winning money for free should be one of everybody’s resolutions – just think of the traveling you could do then.
Cut Down On Alcohol Consumption
Whilst drinking can be a fun way to unwind, cutting down on our consumption can certainly benefit our health and our pockets. Drinking excessively or too frequently can increase our chances of getting mental illnesses such as memory loss and depression and physical conditions such as heart and liver disease, strokes and hypertension. And just think of the money you’ll save.
Further Your Education
Whatever your current level of education, going to night-school or university could have a positive effect on your future. Sure, it may cost a little money upfront (budget from one of your other resolutions) but it may get you your dream job in the future or at least one that will allow you to buy more of the things you want in life. It may also give your brain a much needed workout away from the children.
Exercise
Exercise, above all else, is great for releasing endorphins into the brain and making you feel better about yourself. It’s also a great way of keeping fit and giving you more energy to play with the kids, as well as helping get back that pre-childbirth figure you keep promising yourself you will. Start simply by taking more walks, then perhaps buy some family bikes and cycle together. Anywhere you’d have normally driven to – also saves money on petrol.
