With 2020 soon to be in the rearview mirror, and 2021 on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to come up with a New Year’s resolution.
Highlands has an outlet for many of the most popular annual promises.
According to historians, the ancient Babylonians were the first people to participate in New Year’s resolutions roughly 4,000 years ago. In those times, the New Year didn’t start until March 1, when crop planting season began, and people would often resolve to be better versions of themselves to appease the gods and ensure a bountiful harvest.
In modern eras the New Year’s resolution has become less about agricultural traditions and more about self-improvement. Some of the most popular resolutions are listed below with places in Highlands to help accomplish each goal.
• Lose weight – The most common New Year’s resolution is to get in better physical shape. Highlands is the perfect place to get more active and exercise. There is a full slate of activities, from water aerobics to pickleball, at the Highlands Rec Center. There are also outlets for recreational activities like yoga, bicycling, golf and swimming.
• Save money – While Highlands is certainly an upscale community, there are plenty of fun things to do that come with very inexpensive price tags. From taking a turn on the outdoor ice skating rink, to reading a book from Hudson Library, there are multiple ways to get the most out of Highlands without breaking the bank.
• Reconnect with nature – Highlands is home to some of the most scenic places in all of the southern Blue Ridge mountains. Enjoying the view from an overlook, taking a hike to a waterfall, or wading in a stream in search of a prized mountain trout are all great ways to get fresh air and calm the mind.
• Be a better citizen – There is no shortage of organizations that need help in Highlands. Churches, nonprofits and civic organizations all welcome new volunteers and offer a variety of ways to put a person’s individual skills to work for the greater good.
As we say goodbye to what was a trying 2020, let’s all do our part to make 2021 the year that we make our resolutions count.