1. Get outside—take advantage of Alabama’s gorgeous green spaces

Moundville Archaeological Park. (Matthew Niblett / The Bama Buzz)

No matter where you are in the state, you’re bound to be near some beautiful parks and greenery. Take advantage of our wonderfully mild Alabama winters and get out in the fresh air.

A few spots to check out across the state:

Birmingham: Ruffner Mountain
Florence: Deibert Park
Hanceville: Veteran’s Park
Huntsville: McMillian Park
Mobile: Langan Park
Moundville: Moundville Archaeological Park
Tuscaloosa: The Riverwalk

2. Make healthy eating easy with your New Year’s resolutions in Alabama

Real And Rosemary — How tasty does this plate look? Best part—no cleaning dishes after. (Madison Croxson / The Bama Buzz)

If you’re anything like me, a New Year’s resolution has to be sustainable to be realistic, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama agrees. Luckily, we have lots of places across the state ready to help us eat well and feel our best. Whether you choose fresh steamed seafood in Mobile or vegan bakeries in Birmingham, you can’t go wrong.

Don’t miss these restaurants serving healthy, delicious food:

Birmingham: Real and Rosemary
Huntsville: Heaven’s Healthy Kitchen
Mobile: Foy Superfoods
Montgomery: Healthwise Foods
Tuscaloosa: Manna Grocery & Deli

3. Find community at a local fitness studio

Weights Resolutions — Let’s get physical. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

I’m a girl who loves efficiency, and will never say no to killing two birds with one stone. Nowadays, fitness studios are popping up everywhere. They’re a great way to get your sweat on while making friends who will keep you accountable.

Having someone to cheer you on (or call you out if you skip a workout) is a great way to stick with a resolution to exercise more. Bonus? Most studios offer a promotion for first-timers.

Here are some of our (many) favorites across Alabama:

Auburn: purvelo
Florence: Grit Fitness
Huntsville: Studio HIIT HSV
Montgomery: CoreVibes

You can also find classes like Orangetheory, F45, True40 and Crossfit all over the state.

4. Volunteer in your community

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is no stranger to supporting local orgs that need our help. For this year’s resolution, consider volunteering your time. Whether you can commit to once a month or once a week, anything helps.

Here are some statewide resources to get you started:

Birmingham: United Way of Central Alabama
Florence: Room in the Inn Shoals
Montgomery: Montgomery Habitat for Humanity
Mobile: American Red Cross—South Alabama Chapter
Tuscaloosa: Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama

5. Read more—support local book stores

New Year'S Resolutions In Alabama — Support local while you learn. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

We all could stand to read a little more. Why not make a resolution of one book per month in 2022? You could become an expert on 12 fascinating topics!

Learn new things while supporting local at these bookstores: