A guide to keep up with realistic New Year’s resolutions focused on your health.

 

Let’s get to work. The year 2017 is here and we all know that it came with a new set of resolutions. Whether it be to lose weight — a perennial favorite —, read more books or do more exercise, if you are like most people, something keeping those new pledges is difficult to maintain.  The key to keeping those promises is setting manageable goals. Use these tactics to stay on track to a better, healthier life:

 

Don’t focus on eating less

Instead of aiming to lose 40 pounds in six months, make the goal to put healthier food on your plate. Swap potatoes for steamed broccoli, pasta for a quinoa, a granola for a piece of fruit. If you make the mission a positive one rather than subtract food from your day that in the end will leave you hungry, having a healthier diet will be more achievable.

 Do a kitchen cleanse

If your goal is to lose weight or to have more energy, it’s time to remove the unhealthy food from the kitchen. Dedicate some time to throw away junk food, sodas and candy from storage and replace it with healthier snacks.

 

 

Take it a day at a time.  It’s easier to achieve a goal if the finish line is at the end of the day. Sooner than later what seemed as a grueling 24 hours will turn into a routine and you will assimilate into a permanent healthier lifestyle much faster.

Try meditation or yoga

Dedicate time to yourself and take time to listen to what your mind and body are asking of you. It’s easy to lose track of things with busy work schedules, family, friends and housework. Dedicate at least one hour per week to yourself in silence.

Keep a positive diary

Before going to bed every night write down one thing that went well during your day. It can be anything from spending time with a friend to getting a promotion to having quality time with your kids. Acknowledging the positive things in your life will keep you focused on the things that help make you a happier person.

 

Learn a new skill, hobby

 

Part of growing as a person is to never stop growing, whether it be intellectually, spiritually or culturally. A new skill could be related to your job to enhance your profession or resume or a new language. If you want something on the fun side of things, maybe learn a new sport, knitting or painting. If you do it with friends, the goal will be easier to fulfill.

 

Aim to work more with the community

Make 2017 the year to do good beyond your own life. Maybe it’s once a week or once a month, but set aside time to give back to your community and the less fortunate. These deeds will not only help improve your community and neighbors, but they will help you grow spiritually.

 

Get out of your comfort zone. Make this year, the year of being spontaneous. Take a random weekend trip with your girlfriends or get out of your comfort zone and treat yourself to a nice dinner alone. Try new things this year and experiment because life begins once you step out of the comfort zone.