As 2023 comes to an end and we get ready for the new year, there might seem like plenty of reasons for pessimism.

Wars still rage in multiple places around the world. The political fighting of the past year is going to be capped with a contentious and divisive presidential election set for November. Even as the worst of the inflation that dominated headlines this year eases, there is plenty of economic uncertainty.

But the same or similar things could be said about nearly any year. We live in a world filled with troubles, and, unfortunately, few of us are in a position to make any difference when it comes to the larger issues of the world.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to make the world better for ourselves and for others. Here are three things all of us can try in 2024.

Even when it might not seem like it, we have a lot of things to be grateful for, from food to shelter to family. And recognizing that is more than just a nice thing to do.

As the Mayo Clinic notes, expressing gratitude helps decrease anxiety and depression and builds better connections with others. One simple step is to think of one person who you’re grateful to have in your life each day and send them a short note saying why you appreciate them.

One of the complaints that people have in a world where many of our interactions happen on a screen is that we feel disconnected from each other.

Finding a community organization or nonprofit — or finding a cause you’re passionate about and starting your own — where you can volunteer is a way to improve mental and physical health as well as build strong relationships.

Volunteering lets you interact with other like-minded people while finding a sense of purpose and accomplishment. That’s always going to have real health benefits.

You don’t need to take up marathon running or mountain climbing to start being active outside. Simple walks in nature offer health and fitness benefits and also increase your exposure to natural light, which has been shown to help with getting better sleep.

The extra sun is also helpful to get vitamin D, essential for strong bones and a strong immune system.

There won’t ever be a perfect year, but there are things everyone can do to make every year a better one.

— JK