We often joke about the New Year’s resolutions we make but seldom keep. But making and working toward goals is actually a healthy practice. Being resolute, or making a firm decision to do something, can bring brightness to our lives and the lives of those around us. So, it’s actually a great way to lighten up our dreary winter days. Here are a few ideas.

Watch out for each other

One life lost to suicide is one too many. More than 49,000 Americans lost their lives to suicide last year, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We can all resolve to watch out for others just a little bit more. Ask how they are doing. Look for those who seem lonely or who are struggling. Learn warning signs. Say hello. Connect with mental health professionals. If we are the ones struggling, reach out for help and embrace hope. Help can be found 24 hours a day by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Volunteer

Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry in Pleasant Grove, Saratoga Springs and Spanish Fork provides food for hundreds of Utah County residents in need every month. One in eight individuals in this state is at risk of missing a meal on any given day. One in seven Utah children is unsure where they will get their next meal.

“Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Whether it’s one hour or five hours, it will make a difference in your life and those you are serving in the community,” it states on the pantry’s website. Volunteers are invited to serve as individuals, families and small groups. For more information, go to tabithasway.org.

As sexual assault services team members with The Refuge Utah, volunteers are on call at specified times to meet victims at the hospital after they are assaulted. The team members provide comfort and information to the rape victims.

Volunteers with the sexual assault services team also answer phone calls that come through the rape crisis hotline. They answer questions and offer support to victims who are calling. For more information about this rewarding and important opportunity, go to therefugeutah.org.

Provo’s Food and Care Coalition has a mission to alleviate hunger and diminish the plights of poverty for those who enter its doors. The coalition’s primary objectives are to find suitable housing, teach financial accountability, facilitate an elevation in personal morals and values, and help each patron achieve their full potential.

The county’s homeless, mentally ill, learning disabled, fixed-income families and families affected by tragedies can obtain nutritious meals at the Food and Care Coalition seven days a week. In addition, the coalition provides showers, laundry, hygiene, counseling, housing and educational opportunities. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, go to foodandcare.org.

Read a good book lately?

I see this on many people’s social media posts as part of their resolutions: read more books. I agree! It’s difficult to find time, but reading is not only pleasurable, it has many health benefits.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, some of the benefits of reading include reducing stress, lowering heart rate, easing tension in muscles and providing people with a healthy escape from stresses in the world or in our own minds.

Reading has been shown to help people be more understanding about what others are thinking and feeling. It can give us an opportunity to identify with others in similar circumstances. It has even been shown to increase empathy, improve brain connectivity and improve our general mental health. Some studies suggest that regular reading can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia. With all the local public libraries in Utah Valley, we have literally thousands of book choices.

Improving our health with sunshine

I once heard a suicide prevention expert say to get outside every day, no matter the weather. Getting that daily dose of fresh air, sunshine and movement will do wonders for our physical and mental health.

Many of us love the Murdock Canal Trail, which meanders through much of Utah Valley. Often, no matter the temperature, there are walkers, runners and cyclists enjoying the trail. However, it’s not the only location where one can enjoy being outdoors. Find the place that works for you, even if it’s walking around your own backyard.