New Year, New Plan

We are already 2 weeks into the year. How are you going with any goals that you made? I prefer to use the term new year plan rather than new year resolutions. I know it is semantics but new year resolutions are notorious for being broken.

If 2017 was your best year ever, well done. 2018 will continue to improve. If 2017 was not your best year, then it doesn't matter as it has passed and a new year has begun so to a new plan can begin. If you want your life to be different then your lifestyle has to change. It does not have to be big changes. Small changes repeated daily are an excellent way of changing your life.

I think most people have said at least once that they want to be healthier as a new years goal. What an excellent goal!! While many will work on their diet and/or exercise most will forget to include their mind. Being mentally and emotionally healthy is as important as being physically healthy.

My recommendation is to include each of the following into your daily routine and you will see some significant changes in your life.

1. Include a simple exercise regime in your daily routine. If doing 30 minutes each day is a little daunting, then start with something smaller like 7 minutes. There are some great apps for that. 7 Minutes Workout by Simple Design Ltd is the editors choice on Google Play.

2. Substitute 1 unhealthy item in your diet with a healthier option.

3. Be mindful. Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. Again there are some great apps for that. Click here for some free apps.

4. Be kind to yourself. Listen to the way your talk to yourself. We are often very hard on ourselves. Instead of saying "I am stupid" when you do something silly, try saying "that wasn't smart". What you did may not be the smartest thing but it does not mean you are stupid.