We’re nearly half-way through the first month of 2020 and many of us have probably already experienced a few hiccups in our New Year’s resolutions. That’s OK though — because the number one rule is to try — not for perfection, but for self-care and treating yourself more kindly in 2020. Yes, there’s always room for improvement, so, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!

With that said, The Idea Specialists© at The Retreat at Mountain Brook thought we’d do a little research to help you along the way. We found this list compiled by INC Magazine of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions made by folks just like you. Recognize any of them as similar to the ones you’ve made?

We’ve added local organizations and businesses to the INC list, that can help you keep promises to yourself and reach your goals this year; all close in proximity to The Retreat. Lets start by looking at the first 5. Here we go!

1. Diet or eat healthier (71 percent) – Eating healthy can often be a chore, especially if you work longer then usual hours or if your used to pulling through a drive through for sustenance. Eating right — really right, is really important. Just ask Sandra Koulourides, MS, RD at Fuel + Fitness in Birmingham, AL. Sandra can explain the importance of retraining your mind to think of food as energy — and we all like energy, right?

2. Exercise more (65 percent) – If getting more exercise is your goal, there’s lots of local resources to leverage for help, starting right here at home. The Retreat at Mountain Brook offers 2 on-site, state-of-the-art fitness centers on property – both overlooking our lovely saltwater pools, surrounded by a naturally wooded backdrop. Need help and a personal trainer or a class to get you motivated? Check out the nearby Birmingham Jewish Community Center for what it has to offer  or the super-nice folks at Planet Fitness at 4500 Montevallo Road, both of whom would be happy to assist.

3. Lose weight (54 percent) Another option for loosing weight that we’re really keen on, is as close as your smart phone — Check out NOOM, with its highly successful tips and techniques to change food behaviors, ways to count calories and keep up with progress.

4. Save more and spend less (32 percent) Several of the best ways we’ve found to save money hearken back to #1 on this list – eating healthier. Do you make a list when you go to the grocery store or plow through the store when starving? Start a list. Forgo fast food. Make a meal plan and grocery list and learn to cook — which leads into our next suggestion for learning a new skill or hobby….

5. Learn a new skill or hobby (26 percent) Looks like we’ve got a theme here — don’t know how to cook? Then learn! There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of others expertise. Sur La Table at the Summit offers classes as does Little Savannah, in nearby Forest Park. And bringing it back home, for those who’d like to try their hand at growing a vegetable or two, The Retreat at Mountain Brook also offers Residents a plot in our community garden – farm to table at its finest.

To sum it up – we hope that you have a Happy New Year – and encourage you to keep up the good work. Take care….and focus on a great 2020!