This year, as we say hello to 2021, many of us have said goodbye to lofty new year’s resolutions. Instead, we’ve chosen to focus on being kinder to ourselves and remembering that even the smallest wins (yes, introducing kale just once a week!) count. Our approach: putting our energy into creating bite-sized, healthy habits that we can benefit from all year long.

Read on to learn all the ways that your BCAA Membership can help you form and solidify healthy habits in the year ahead, plus save you a little bit of money along the way. We’ve taken five of the most common new year’s resolutions of the past and converted them into tips for creating behaviours that stick.

Resolution 1: get organized

Tip: start with your home

With all the time we’ve spent at home this year, it’s no surprise that things may be getting a little, well, disorderly. There’s no need to wait until spring to get organized - whether you do a full sweep or tackle one area at a time, cleaning up at the beginning of the year can give you a fresh start and outlook for 2021.

• Declutter. Set up a designated area in your home where you can put items you no longer need, such as books, clothing, electronics, furniture or kids’ toys, and get them ready to be sold or donated. Donation is a great way to give back to others and keep items out of landfills. Need some extra hands? Members save up to 10% on junk removal with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and they will get rid of what you no longer need the responsible way.
• Create a cleaning schedule (that you can stick to). Start by putting it in writing. Include the frequency of tasks and assign them to people in your household – yep, kiddos too. Here’s a helpful list of how often you should clean everything.
• Check your home insurance. A lot can change over time, such as a renovation, home office setup, home improvements or merely owning more stuff. Ensuring your home or renters insurance reflects these changes will ensure you have adequate coverage for your house and belongings. Speak to your insurance advisor about any changes that have been made to your property or personal belongings (a new garage, a new bike or new pieces of jewellery, etc.)

Resolution 2: exercise more

Tip: try out an at-home fitness routine or try a new outdoor activity

If getting to a gym has been the hurdle between you and a regular fitness routine, take advantage of the abundance of new at-home fitness programs to come out of the past year, or try a new outdoor activity like skiing or golf.

• For at-home fitness, ensure that you have the proper gear. Start with the basics: a good quality yoga mat, a set of weights and a resistance band. We recommend treating yourself with a new piece of activewear, something that gets you excited to put on. Tip: Shop online for gear and earn CAA Dollars® on purchases with a BCAA Membership at Altitude Sports, and PRFO Sports.
• Support local businesses. Many fitness studios have had to adapt their business model during the pandemic and now rely on online classes to connect with their audience. You can find a comprehensive list of virtual classes at BC Recreation and Parks Association. There are great options out there for all budgets and fitness levels.
• Find an accountability buddy. Team up with a friend or family member to keep each other on track. Set realistic goals – one workout per week is better than none! If you have smart tech like an Apple watch, you can track each others progress and encourage one other to hit your fitness goals. For this and the other wearable fitness tech items on your wish list, head to The Source where Members save up to 20%.
• Get outside. Even if it’s as simple as going for a walk, fresh air has a positive effect on both your physical and mental health. Another idea? Try out a popular new outdoor hobby like golf (just ensure to stay within your local health region). With courses across the province Members can book online at GolfBC and save 10% on green fees.
• As you embark on your new fitness journey, a BCAA Membership can help. Members save up to 30% on health and wellness at a wide variety of Rewards Partners.

Resolution 3: reduce stress

Tip: prioritize self-care and focus on the things you can control

Start small. With so much uncertainty in the world around us, the simple act of controlling what we can is the first step to feeling more empowered and reducing stress.

• Put your health first. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked in with your physician or dentist, you’re not alone. Get back on track (and ahead of it) by booking your annual appointments in one sitting. If you don’t have insurance through your employer and need more coverage than what’s offered by BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), learn more about BCAA Health & Dental Insurance.
• Reduce car-related stress. Find a great mechanic you trust – it’s good for your car and your budget. If you haven’t settled on one yet and have been going from shop to shop, check out BCAA Auto Service Centres, where our BCAA Auto Service Technicians are Red Seal certified (the gold standard for tradespeople). Learn more about your automotive maintenance and repair options with BCAA.
• Get prepared for the unexpected. From a disaster or other emergencies give yourself peace of mind by preparing for the unexpected. Keep an emergency kit at home, in your car and at the office. BCAA Members save 20% on emergency kits with F.A.S.T. (First Aid & Survival Technologies Limited). For more tips on how to keep your family safe, visit our BCAA Preparedness Resource page.
• Carve out some ‘me-time.’ Crossed an item off the list? Reward yourself with an at-home spa treatment. From candles to body products, save on the essentials with these BCAA Rewards partners:

• Escents - Members save 10% online
• Indigo - Members earn up to 5% in CAA Dollars®
• Sephora - Members earn 5% in CAA Dollars
• The Body Shop - Members earn 4% in CAA Dollars

Resolution 4: save more money

Tip: review your budget and set financial goals

Knowing your financial goals will not only help you plan, but it can also increase your commitment to following your plan, which means you’re more likely to achieve what you set out to do.

• Write your goals down. Putting pen to paper prevents vague motivations and keeps your tasks clear. What are you saving for: a car, a home, a future vacation, an emergency fund, retirement? All of the above? Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start by listing all the areas of your financial situation that you’d like to improve, then prioritize each element and start on one or two at a time.
• Use a tool. Try using budget tracking tools to help you see where your spending goes and ensure you never miss a payment.
• Make your money go further with your BCAA Membership. Shop online at over 100,000 partner locations worldwide and earn CAA dollars that can be applied to your BCAA Membership renewal, BCAA Insurance, or repairs at a BCAA Auto Service Centre.

Resolution 5: explore more and experience new things

Tip: support your local economy as a tourist in your town (abiding to current guidelines, of course)

While we are all itching to travel this year, you don’t need to go far to experience new things. Embrace “Stay Local, Support Local,” and find new ways to connect with the place you call home.

• Visit one new place. Check out this great list of unique ideas on how to safely explore your own community this winter, curated by our friends at Destination BC. You’d be surprised how many hidden gems exist close to home!
• Plan a BC road trip for this summer. While we wait for global travel restrictions to lift, take control of your summer and plan a local BC adventure. Getting it in the calendar gives you something to look forward to! Ever thought about exploring by RV? BCAA Members exclusively save 5% on RV bookings at CanaDream.
• Get a little help, on the go. The BCAA Mobile app makes it easy for Members to request Roadside Assistance from their smartphone, locate rewards partners and save money.

What are some of the new healthy habits you’re looking to adopt this year? We’d love to hear from you. Share your 2021 goals with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tag @bcaarewards on Instagram.

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today for less than $7 per month to get protection on the road and savings all year long.