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Read On! A news section for RenfrewCollingwood learners A fresh start for the New Year

by Sophia Han

New Year’s resolutions 

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is common in Western countries. People want to begin the year with a fresh start and turn over a new leaf.

Typically, people decide to kick a habit that is unhealthy such as eating junk food or smoking, or they decide to exercise more. Exercising can be hard to do when the weather outside is cold, wet or snowy, but many Canadians still hike or snowshoe during the winter.

The Renfrew Park Community Centre and Collingwood Neighbourhood House are great places where you can take an indoor class in yoga, zumba or dance all year round.

Tips for keeping a resolution 

Scientists have found that people are more likely to stick to a resolution they make at New Year’s than at any other time of the year.

When starting a new habit, it’s best to start small. You should choose goals that really matter to you and are achievable.

To keep your resolution on track, write notes on your progress in a diary or take photos. You can also ask a friend to support you and text them every time you meet a goal. Go easy on yourself when you slip up and always celebrate the small wins.

If your resolution is to be more active, be sure to check out the classes at Renfrew Park Community Centre and Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Visit their websites or call for more information.

Stay active by stepping outside even on the coldest days of the year. Photo by Sophia Han

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Renfrew Park Community Centre

2929 East 22nd Avenue at Renfrew 604-257-8388

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VOCABULARY

resolution – when you make a resolution, you decide to do something that will improve your life. fresh start – a new beginning turn over a new leaf – to change a habit typically – normally kick a habit – give up a habit all year round – throughout the year have found – use have found to talk about something you learned in the past that is true in the present: “I have found that learning English is fun.” more likely/than – use more likely to compare the possibility of two things: “It is more likely to rain than to snow.” stick to – continue doing achievable – something that can be done on track – something that is likely to succeed progress – how far you move towards a goal go easy – to be gentle with someone slip up – to make a mistake small wins – something that is not too difficult that helps you achieve a goal