Five New Year resolution ideas to make for 2019 and how to keep them
But while we start off with good intentions, sometimes sticking to them can prove tricky. Here's our guide to help keep you on track with your resolutions in 2019.
1. Dry January
With Christmas parties galore it's no surprise if you feel like you've gone into booze overload.
So giving up alcohol in January can do wonders for your health – and raise money for a good cause too.
In 2017, a survey of those who took part in the month long sobriety challenge found that 79 per cent saved money, 62 per cent slept better and 42 per cent lost weight… so it really is win-win.
If you're not sure you can stay off the sauce for the whole month, experts recommend giving yourself constant motivation.
Some say checking your social media profiles to cut down the amount of pictures or references you have to alcohol can help.
People taking part in Dry January not only to save money themselves, but can donate to Alcohol Change, a charity which started this annual event.
By signing up online to take part in the event, participants will receive tips and stories along their month-long detox from alcohol.
Alcohol Change's website states that every day 20 people in the UK die as a result of their drinking.
By participating in the event, you are able to become sponsored, meaning that your sponsor will donate to your chosen charity.
There are many options of which charity to donate to, as many choose to donate to Alcohol Change's partner charities.
These include: Action for Children, Breast Cancer Now, the British Liver Trust and Crisis.
The website says that all of these charities work on issues closely related to alcohol harm.
2. Get back to the gym
You can ask for a fancy new gym membership for Christmas, but that's not going to get you moving when January begins.
Motivating yourself is too hard, so get someone else on board to share the burden.
Bradley Simmons, fitness guru and personal trainer, said: "There are so many classes and exercise programmes around that knowing who to train effectively can be very confusing.
"Personal Trainers offer quality assurance and can adapt exercises to you, to make sure you don’t injure yourself through poor form, strain an already dodgy knee or push yourself too much trying to keep up with the person next to you!"
If you're not ready for a PT but still don't want to go it alone, then a social fitness app can help.
3. Quit smoking
Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK, with 19 percent of the population being smokers.
Many will be keen to ditch the cigarettes in the New Year, but it's easier said than done.
The NHS advises making small lifestyle changes to avoid temptation; if you tend to light-up after dinner, for example, then find another activity to do instead (the NHS suggests washing the dishes).
The health board also recommends making new, non-smoking friends to socialise with.
Exercise, too, is believed to cut cravings and could help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals.
There's also support available from your local stop smoking service.
Statistics show you're up to four times more likely to quit successfully with their expert help and advice.
4. New Year's cleanse
Overindulging over the festive period can leave you feeling the need to detox in the New Year to kick start your health.
And green juices are the perfect place to start.
If you received a Nutribullet for Christmas and have no idea what to do with it, you can start with chlorella and spinach.
Chlorella helps to improve circulation as well as skin firmness.
Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns said: “It is also thought to help with decreasing cellulite on your skin and make it more elastic – this is due to the toxin removal properties and the ability to remove fat deposits from the skin.
"Try Natures Plus Ultra Green Juice Powder packed with super-algaes including not only chlorella but also organic spirulina and Irish Moss."
But if you need to clear your head, spinach is your best bet, Shona explained: “Spinach is a good source of folic acid and vitamin C, both of which are needed for production of neurotransmitters in the brain (substances that transmit nerve signals).
"Like other green vegetables, it is also a source of chlorophyll, which may favour the absorption of iron and promote red blood cell growth, to improve oxygen transport around the body and to the brain”.
5. Take up a hobby
When researchers followed 7,500 people for 25 years, they found that those who complained of major boredom were roughly twice as likely to die from heart disease.
So what are you waiting for? Whether it's painting, martial arts or tango dancing, there's no better time than now to embrace a new hobby.
Here's to a happy 2019.
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