Once again the New Year is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about our goals for the new year. Now that the year is almost over, how successful were this last year’s resolutions? If you failed to stick to them, we’re here to help. Perhaps you were not realistic when choosing your resolutions, so here are some ideas and tips to help you stay on track to a healthier you this upcoming year.
- Good mental shape
Getting in shape is the most popular resolution and it is a very important one, but what about mental shape? As we get older, it is important to not only take good care of our bodies but of our mental health and skills too. Incorporate memory building games, such as reading, crossword puzzles, word search, and any other activity that helps juggle your memory.
- Drink in moderation.
During the holidays we often drink cocktails socially, but this is also a great time to start thinking about how many drinks are too many. Set some limits, drink socially, or stop drinking once and for all, this will bring some long-term benefits to your health if you’re a heavy drinker.
- Learn a new language.
Learning a new language not only comes in handy, but it also helps you keep your mind stronger. It can help you meet new people, it will help you improve your communication and concentration skills and it will definitely look amazing on your CV, which will always open some doors. You can go to language classes, join free conversation groups or be self-taught, there are tons of apps and TV programs that can help you achieve your new goals.
- Volunteer to do charity work
There are many places that you can volunteer and do charity work, such as churches, schools, community groups, food banks or soup kitchens. It will not only make you feel good about yourself, but it will help you realize the need that exists in your community. Getting involved for the greater good can help you meet new people and offer a helping hand to those that need it most.
- Make your health a priority
This one is a very important one, but sometimes it is harder to achieve than we think. Create new healthy habits and stick to them, eat more veggies, eat less sugar, go to the gym, practice some yoga, and visit your doctor more often. The New Year is a perfect time to schedule doctor’s appointments and schedule health screenings. Make a list of all your bad habits and good habits and see how you can improve your health this year.
We know it’s easier said than done, so here are some tips to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions:
- Use notes
If you want to achieve a goal, you have to be consistent. Remind yourself of your goals by writing them down and leave post-it notes around the house or at work as a constant reminder of what you need to be doing. You can use post-its on your laptop reminding you to go to the gym or to buy those fresh green veggies you will have for dinner.
- Better together
New Year resolutions are always hard to achieve but the more motivation you have, the easier it is to achieve them. The best way to get yourself some motivation is having someone to motivate you to accomplish your goals. You can have your brother, friend, partner or whomever you want to join you to go to the gym, volunteer in a charity project, learn a new language.
- Take your time
Getting used to new habits may take longer than you think. These changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s important to do the very best you can. Studies say that it may take between 20 and 40 days for a person to form a new habit, so even if your New Year’s resolution is hard at the beginning don’t worry, it will eventually get better.
- Do not quit
Most people start New Year resolutions in January but this doesn’t mean that if you take a break from your resolution or miss a day, you can’t pick up right back where you left off. Try to be consistent if you need to take a break, remember you can always come back anytime you want.
- Be realistic
New goals and habits are always hard but if you choose impossible ones, this will make them even harder. If you have never practiced a sport before, you cannot expect to go to the gym every day for a few hours, this is not how it works. Get to know your body and your physical and mental limitations before you set a new goal, be realistic and you won’t be disappointed at the end.