This is a New Year! Now that the holidays are officially over, it's time to focus on improving next year than ever before. Here are some tips for making your New Year's resolutions and sticking to them.
What are some common health resolutions for New Years?
Having spent the holidays indulging in treats (and perhaps a few more alcoholic beverages than usual), it's no surprise that a lot of people are making health-related resolutions. Some of the most common resolutions on health that we see include:
Quit smoking
Perhaps the hardest resolution to stick to on this list, quitting smoking is a common goal that people strive for each time a new year begins. That's because it's known that quitting smoking has a number of health benefits which make it worth the hard work.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke — and at the same time, you'll save money.
Get more sleep
Sleeping more is associated with a number of positive effects, such as improving the mood and focusing skills. After each day, it also helps your mind and body heal, helping you process and maintain important information.
Whether you're having trouble sleeping because of insomnia or because of your busy schedule, there are things you can do to help you get more sleep. It can all lead to a better sleep routine by drinking less caffeine, getting more exercise and trying to keep a regular schedule going.
Managing stress proactively
While some stress can be good for raising strength and keeping you focused, too much can have a significant impact on your life. Long working hours, not eating regular meals or eating food that lacks the nutrition your body needs, and not sleeping enough can all lead to a decrease in your overall happiness, which is why it's important to reduce as much stress as possible in your life.
Practicing mindfulness, starting a yoga routine or trying out our work-related stress-fighting tips can all help you get the start of the new year right.
How do I set realistic targets?
It is important to set realistic goals if you are hoping to keep to your New Year's resolutions. For example, if you're not used to working out daily, you might be struggling to maintain a commitment of hitting the gym every day of the week.
Start small, for goals easily attainable. You should start setting bigger goals for yourself as you learn new habits and build confidence in your ability to stick to your resolution. And if you're struggling to achieve a specific goal, don't get too harsh on yourself. Remember what you're working for, even that the next day you can try again and again.
How can I safely take on a major solution to health?
Before you embark on any major health resolutions — like losing weight, doing more rigorous workouts, or stopping long-term habits (see smoking above) — you may want to talk to your doctor about creating a plan with you.
