50 ways to improve in your life in 2009

YOUR MONEY
Take stock of your life and improve your financial future.

Recycle Old Gadgets for Cash
- Some companies will pay you money for that old cellphone or iPod
Choose 'Obama' Stocks
- Alternative energy, infrastructure, and healthcare companies could soon get a boost.
Advance Your Career Online
- Building your “brand” online can make you a more valuable employee
Put Your Cash in Safe Accounts
- Money market accounts and certificates of deposit balance safety and return
Start Your Own Nonprofit
- It takes a lot of effort, but the rewards can outweigh the challenges
Drink Screw-Topped Wines
- You can save money and the wines taste better, according to some experts
Lose the 'Microwave' Mentality
- Instant money, like instant food, turns out to have some distasteful characteristics
Make Friends at Work
- Research shows good relationships with you co-workers and boss can help your career
Watch TV Free Online
- Many websites let you watch your favorite shows whenever you want without paying for cable
Try That Home Before Buying
- A sleepover can help you get a better idea of the benefits and negatives of a new house


YOUR BODY
Take a healthy approach to life.

Ride Your Bike to Work
- You can save money on gas and get some extra exercise
Use Glass to Store Food
- It’s an easy way to steer clear of the controversy over the chemical BPA found in many plastics
Take an Afternoon Nap
- A new study shows they recharge you better than caffeine or sleeping late
Get Paid for Good Health
- Many companies offer wellness programs that reward employees for good health habits
Walk the Cravings Away
- A brisk, 15-minute walk can help you stick to your diet.
Get a New Toothbrush
- Older toothbrushes harbor bacteria and don’t clean your teeth as well
Move to Vermont
- It’s the healthiest state in the nation, according to one recent study
Get Your Eyes Checked
- Failing vision can be a symptom of other health problems
Add Obstacles to Your Jog
- Parkour, or “freerunning,” can add extra fun and fitness to your jog
Get Fit as You Get Older
- Dara Torres, Jamie Moyer, and Chris Chelios proved you can compete and win at any age


YOUR MIND
Challenge yourself to think in new ways.

Read Up on Edgar Allan Poe
- The inventor of the mystery novel turns 200 years old in 2009
Publish Your Book Yourself
- New online services mean “you no longer have to get permission to publish your book.”
Go Back to School for New Skills
- Government programs will pay for laid-off workers to earn college credit
Study Philosophy
- The classic discipline can help with contemporary dilemmas and modern careers
Save That November 5 Paper
- A few precautions will help that memento of Obama’s victory last for generations
Silence Noise Pollution
- Research shows that exposure to constant noise can hurt children’s mental development
Finish a Crossword Puzzle
- Many people start them, but it takes focus and practice to finish
Start Using Twitter
- Update you friends instantly about what you’re doing
Learn Russian
- The former Cold War superpower is starting to flex its geopolitical muscles again
Keep a 'Clothes Hanger' Journal
- Writing just one sentence a day can create a quick memoir of your entire year


YOUR WORLD
Better the world around you.

Learn About Abraham Lincoln
- A number of new books offer new perspectives to celebrate his bicentennial birthday
Plant a Square-Foot Garden
- Even apartment dwellers can grow fresh vegetables with a little effort
Hypermile When You Drive
- Save money on gas and help the environment with a few automobile strategies
Help Those Hit by the Recession
- You can help others and also develop connections and skills that can help you, too
Switch to a Push Mower
- For smaller lawns, it’s an eco-friendly option that even can help you stay fit
Air Dry Your Laundry
- If large, Amish families can manage to do it, so can you
Practice Spreading Tolerance
- Obama’s presidential win is a sign of progress, but it also could lead to conflict
Ditch the Phone While Driving
- New research shows even hands-free kits can be a dangerous distraction
Get Your News Online
- That way you’ll get your news faster and maybe even save a few trees
Buy Laptops for Kids
- The One Laptop Per Child and Give Many programs make it affordable to spread technology

YOUR PLAY
Travel, read, cook...and don't forget to have fun.

Learn to Play Bridge
- It’s not only good for your brain but also a great way to meet new people
Visit Alaska
- The Last Frontier became the 49th state five decades ago
Celebrate the Life of Miles Davis
- The greatest jazz album of all time was recorded 50 years ago
Take a 'Staycation'
- You don’t have to fly to go on vacation; try things in your region
'Geotag' Your Digital Pictures
- Your digital camera can keep track of your travels for you
Watch the Beatles Let It Be
- The documentary/concert film captures the Fab Four’s final public performance 40 years ago
Teach Your Kids to Cook
- It’s a good way to bring the family together and tech your kids a valuable life skill
Play a Fake Musical Instrument
- Music video games let you feel like a rock star in your own living room
Read the Book Before the Movie
- Upcoming blockbusters like Watchmen and The Road are just as stunning on the page
Try Your Hand at Pottery
- The classic craft continues to attract new enthusiasts

- U.S News&World Report,  December 18, 2008