Shopping, parties, out of town guests. The end of the year is a flurry of "too much." After the frenetic pace and over indulgence of the last days of December, the beginning of the year is when we slow down, take deep breaths and an inventory of where we've been, where we are and where we'd like to be. And so the resolution lists come out. And the gritty determination. Go easy on yourselves this year. It's OK if you stumble. And remember, little changes can make a big difference.

Improve your sleep. And your relationship with your cat (sooo needy) by spending less time in front of the screen. Put your devices down and interact with others over cards and games at Community Board Game Night, the last Wednesday and Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bayside Community Hall (free).

Take it outside. We live in an area of abundant beauty with wonderful accessibility to it. Discover local flora and fauna the first Wednesday of every month on a Guided Nature Walk in Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (free). Two-hour tours leave the Richard J. Guadagno Visitor Center at 9 a.m.

Raise your vibration. Join the Humboldt Folklife Society the first Thursday of every month for a sing-along at 7 p.m. at the Arcata Community Center (free). Songbooks are provided. Show up and sing your heart out.

Eat better. The Arcata Plaza Winter Farmers' Market offers fresh GMO-free foods direct from the farmers, artisan products and wellness services Saturdays through March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Eighth and I Street block.

Work on stress. Get your chi flowing and heart rate up at Baile Terapia, dance therapy from Paso a Paso, Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Jefferson Community Center and the last Friday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. at The MGC in Fortuna (free).