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It\u2019s the time of year when we attempt to put our best intentions forward and make resolutions to improve our lives for the new year ahead.\u00a0 The problem is, they don\u2019t always stick.<\/p>\n
Human nature requires us to do something repetitive for 3 to 4 weeks before it becomes a habit\u2014like going to the gym.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, we have the technology to give us a boost.\u00a0 Here are some of the most popular resolutions people make each year and some suggested apps that may help you keep them.<\/p>\n
Exercise More<\/b><\/p>\n
Next to losing weight, exercising more is a popular choice.\u00a0 You join a gym in January and go a couple of times, then life gets in the way.\u00a0 Your frequency goes from 4 days a week to 1 or 2 to \u201cwhy bother.\u201d<\/p>\n
But in the age of COVID-19 and quarantines, we\u2019ve quickly realized you don\u2019t actually have to go to the gym to workout.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find dozens of apps for home workouts, exercise plans, muscle boosters, and more.\u00a0 Some apps are designed exclusively for men or women and take into consideration your current age and fitness levels.<\/p>\n
Fitbod Workout & Fitness Plans<\/b> is a great app that covers workouts at home and at the gym.\u00a0 Fitbod<\/b> is free to download but may require in-app purchases to get the full experience.<\/p>\n
Lose Weight<\/b><\/p>\n
If you stick to the \u201cExercise More\u201d resolution, this one is likely to be a cinch.\u00a0 Medical professionals agree the best way to lose weight is with a balanced plan of exercise and healthy eating.\u00a0 Noom<\/b> does just that.<\/p>\n
Noom<\/b> takes a holistic approach to weight loss.\u00a0 It\u2019s a psychology-based weight loss program that continues to improve.\u00a0 It now includes 10 mini-courses that will help you change your old habits.\u00a0 The course topics include food and water tracking, breathing exercises, goal setting, joyful movement, and more.\u00a0 The download is free.\u00a0 In-app purchases are available.<\/p>\n
Get Organized<\/b><\/p>\n
There are lots of variations of what people consider organized.\u00a0 Straightening out your closets, not missing appointments, avoiding showing up late, keeping bills paid on time, and staying focused on priorities are just a few of the ways we might consider ourselves organized.<\/p>\n
Most professional organizers agree that writing down and placing deadlines on various tasks helps to stay on track.\u00a0 Daily Planner-Habit Tracker<\/b> says it will \u201clet you really master life.\u201d\u00a0 That\u2019s a pretty lofty goal, but at least this app will help get you closer.<\/p>\n
Daily Planner-Habit Tracker <\/b>lets you enter your daily plans, monitor your progress of habits (like going to the gym).\u00a0 You can also check in on your habits to see how you\u2019re doing against your goals.\u00a0 There\u2019s also space for daily plans.\u00a0 It\u2019s more than just a calendar.\u00a0 It\u2019s helps you think a little more deeply about your goals and stay on track.<\/p>\n
Learn a\u00a0New\u00a0Skill or Hobby<\/b><\/p>\n
Everyone wants to get out of that rut they\u2019re in and learn something new from time to time.\u00a0 Whether you want to further your formal education or simply learn a fun new hobby, technology has you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
YouTube<\/b> is a great resource for learning new things.\u00a0 With millions of videos available, simply search for your area of interest and you\u2019ll likely find dozens of results to help you get there.\u00a0 Whether you want to do a minor car repair or learn how to cook, YouTube has the answer.<\/p>\n
For a little more formal approach, Coursera is a great app to help you learn new skills.\u00a0 You\u2019ll learn from experts at 200+ world universities and companies, including Yale, the University of Michigan, Google, IBM, and more.\u00a0 Download the app for free (in-app purchase may be required) and start building your skills in a variety of areas to support your current career or prepare for your next one.<\/p>\n
Save More Money\/Spend Less Money<\/b><\/p>\n
You know how you carry that fifty dollar bill around in your pocket for weeks, but once you break it, it just kind of disappears?\u00a0 Where did it go?\u00a0 Unless you\u2019re tracking every penny, it\u2019s often hard to remember where the money goes\u2014but it does.<\/p>\n
There are quite a few apps to help you track your money.\u00a0 Money Box-Savings Goal<\/b> App helps you save those dollars before they slip away from you.\u00a0 You set your money goals and track your personal savings.\u00a0 It helps you spend cash wisely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The app lets you add motivational photos such as that new car or new house you\u2019re saving for.\u00a0 It\u2019s a simple interface with features that allow you to easily organize and manage your savings targets, no matter the size of your paycheck.<\/p>\n
So, make those resolutions!\u00a0 But don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re alone.\u00a0 Use the technology resources available at your fingertips and of course, your human support system, to help you keep them.\u00a0 Good luck and have a great year!<\/p>\n
By the way, it\u2019s also a great time to revisit your insurance coverage and talk to your agent about plans you have for the new year.\u00a0 They\u2019ll make sure you\u2019re adequately covered and may be able to find you some cost savings, as well.\u00a0 Call your local Pekin Insurance agent today!<\/p>\n