If your New Year's resolution is already a forgotten promise, you're not alone. Surveys show that by the end of January, 88% of people have abandoned their promises to themselves.

Chances are your resolution(s) were designed to make you healthier and happier. So we thought you might like these three surprising — and surprisingly simple — ways to boost your health and happiness throughout the year:

1. Get a dog. Studies show that pet owners are more satisfied with their lives than those without a pet. And if you're walking a dog, it increases your step count substantially, as well as being a source of social interaction with other dog walkers — which is a vital part of overcoming health-damaging loneliness.

2. Volunteer. You'll build a network of people to provide you with a supportive posse. And volunteering helps develop feelings of gratitude and caring for others, which are essential for mental and physical well-being, while it lets you know that you have what it takes to encounter new people and activities. That builds resilience that helps you cope with whatever the year brings. It can also improve your physical health if it involves activities such as gardening or team sports.

3. Take a cooking class. Americans are cooking less frequently, despite the harms of eating highly processed restaurant and prepared foods. That's a shame because around 80% of chronic diseases are related to negative lifestyle choices such as diet. Cooking at home even two days a week will upgrade your nutrition as well as  your health. For great tips, read "The What to Eat When Cookbook."