Posted on December 23, 2019
Healthy Resolutions for a Happy 2020
It’s that time of year again. The time to make a pledge to yourself to start doing something – or more likely – stop doing something. Did you know that only 8% of people actually achieve their goals? And around 80% of people quit? This year, why not look to the new year in a different light. Instead of becoming a ‘New You’ why not work on becoming the best you possible. You don’t have to set yourself unrealistic and often short-term goals, just a few simple lifestyle changes could have hugely positive effects on your health and well-being.
- Break your resolution into steps
By breaking your resolution down into the steps you need to take to reach your goal, it will feel more attainable and less daunting. For example, if you want to lose weight, steps might include increasing how much exercise you do each week, finding some healthy new recipes, or joining a slimming group.
- Make a checklist
Listing these steps will give you a clear route to success, and will help you recognise and celebrate your progress throughout the coming months. As you tick off each step, you will feel encouraged to continue working towards your goal.
- Give yourself small rewards
When you reach a particular milestone or achievement with your resolution, give yourself a small reward to motivate you to keep going.
- Share your resolution with friends and family
Telling loved ones about your goals will make you more accountable, and will provide you with a team of cheerleaders to encourage you on to success. A friend or family member might share the same goal too, which means you can work together to achieve it, providing mutual support and encouragement.
- Stick to one resolution
Resolutions can be challenging to stick to, so set realistic goals and focus your energy on just one area. Changing a habit is easier when you aren’t trying to change four other habits at the same time.
Healthy resolution ideas
Want to make the next 12 months more healthy but not sure where to start? Here are some ideas you could try.
Eat more fruit and veg
A healthy, balanced diet full of fruit and vegetables will provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. You could even try a vegetarian diet or explore vegan eating to get even more goodness into every meal.
Look after your heart
From eating more heart-friendly foods to focusing on cardiovascular exercise, there are lots of small lifestyle changes you can make that will make a big difference to your heart.
Drink less
Both men and women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which is the equivalent to six average-strength pints of beer or seven glasses of wine. If you regularly find yourself exceeding this, try to reduce your alcohol intake and make social plans that don’t include drinking.
Whatever it is you decide to do in the new year, remember you don’t have to reinvent yourself as something different, just work on being the best you possible.
