Let 2019 start with some reasonable and of vital importance goals!

Many people use the beggining of the new year as a time to set new goals, try something new or change something about themselves. We often plan life altering changes and expect them to happen overnight! When they do not, we feel frustrated and lose our motivation to continue.

Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focusing on too many areas simultaneously or underestimating the completion time, try setting smaller, achievable, goals. Just make sure that the goals that you have set are of vital importance to you and are the ones that you genuinely want to achieve, not ones that your partner, parents, or family might want. There’s nothing wrong with considering other people’s advice however, make sure that you also remain true to yourself and your own needs!

Here are some tips for a good start:

1. Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s sleep SHOULD BE non-negotiable! Sleep helps the body restore and heal, is vital for hormone production, improves mood, aids weight loss, and so much more!

Remember: watching TV in the bedroom, using smartphones, tablets and all sorts of gadgets will not help you get a good night’s sleep at night.

2. Establish healthier eating patterns

Switching to a healthier diet can be incredibly tricky especially when we are surrounded by cheap, fast food takeaways. Still, with a good amount of determination we can slowly develop healthier eating habits. For a start why don’t you start by reducing your sugar intake?

Remember: minimise, or avoid altogether if you can, sugared filled drinks (sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks), sugar-loaded deserts, processed foods and low-fat foods. Choose a diet based wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight

3. Exercise more

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do: join the gym; get a pedometer and take at least 10,000 steps a day; get up every 20 minutes and stretch; or join a dance class. Just move! Living an inactive life makes you more likely to be overweight, and puts you at a higher risk of health issues as well as depression.

 4. Learn to be happier with your life and create a positive attitude

Having a positive attitude opens your mind up to new possibilities, it makes you more resilient, and it can even help you live longer. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down. It is not an easy task but do try it! Stay positive, no matter what happens, it can be lifechanging!

Healthiaplus wishes you a Happy New Year!