Each year, we all tell ourselves the same thing: we’ll get super healthy and fit. Most of us simply end it there, with this vague, undetermined idea of reaching a goal and without any idea of how to actually do it. Our January usually starts out nicely, but the further we go, the more our resolve dwindles and we’re back to square one, still tired, sickly, and unhappy in our own skin. So, what can we do to change that? Is there any way to finally make the kind of resolutions we can stick to? Yes, absolutely. The key to success lies in taking smaller steps and setting up achievable goals, in being very specific about the changes you wish to introduce into your life.

If you’re not sure what kind of goals these could be, we’re here with some suggestions. For more information on how to improve your health in 2019, read on.

Start a journal

Writing a journal is one of the best ways to boost your mental health. Jotting down short notes about your plans for the day and your goals for that month means having a good insight into how things are progressing, and doing it regularly will help you crystalize exactly what you want from life. There’s also the benefit of getting your feelings down on paper and being able to release all the negativity from your system through writing. Just get a notebook, get a nice pen, and keep your journal around at all times; whenever something big happens, write it down. Whenever you’re feeling emotional, write it down. It will make it easier to process everything that’s going on in your life. 

Do short daily workouts

We need physical activity to stay healthy and there’s simply no way around it. However, you don’t have to go to the gym to get fit—having daily workouts at home is more than enough to get you in shape. If you have trouble sticking to an exercise plan, then start slowly and make the whole process enjoyable. Make a really good playlist of uplifting songs you can listen to, get sexy exercise tops and compression tights that will make you look and feel good, and start by working out 2-3 times a week. Do it while you watch TV if you like. Is it the best way to exercise? Possibly not, but it’s a way, and doing anything, however short and imperfect it might be, is much better than doing nothing.

That’s the kind of thing you have to embrace to make progress—imperfection. Even if you’re really tired and only manage to go through five minutes of your workout, it’s still much better than no workout at all. So, start slow and build up to a steady routine that you can enjoy.

Replace processed foods with homecooked meals

If you want to eat better, there are several small steps that you can take to help you get your diet in order. Rather than severe calorie restrictions that you have trouble sticking to, do something simpler: stop eating out and buying processed foods, and start cooking more at home. Replace your sugary sweets with fruit, toss out cans of cola and other fizzy drinks, and make your own unsweetened lemonade. To save time, prepare meals in advance and put them in plastic containers that you can keep in your fridge. Dieting is all about having a steady plan that you can rely on even when you’re tired, lazy, and really feel like eating a big burger—it’s all about organizing yourself to make healthy snacks readily available and making sure junk food isn’t even within your reach.

Cultivate your meditation practice

Meditation has a great power to center us and help us wrangle our emotions under control, and it’s something everyone can benefit from. For the sake of your mental health and emotional stability, try to do it regularly. If you have trouble focusing, start by listening to a guided meditation track. Find a cozy spot where you can settle down, put your headphones on, and listen to a guru who can help you learn breathing exercises and make it easier to empty your mind of distractions.

Put down your phone

Technology can be a great thing, but once it starts overtaking your life and pulling you away from what’s happening around you then you know it’s time to wake up. Constantly browsing through Instagram and becoming obsessed with your online persona has a nasty side-effect of making you miss out great things and stressing you out. Statistics show that people are becoming more and more addicted to social media and it’s making them insecure and unhappy. So, if you feel like you rely on technology too much, it’s probably time to take a break.

Reconnect with nature

Incidentally, once you put your phone down, you’ll have plenty of free time on your hands and you’ll need a distraction to prevent you from turning back to bad habits. Going outside and spending time in nature is a great solution because most of us are severely deprived of the peace and gentle nurturing that nature can give us. We need fresh air and greenery for the sake of both our mental and physical health. So, go camping, hiking, or at least take a walk in the park—you’ll feel rejuvenated.

Make 2019 healthier and more mindful. Take small steps towards a big goal, go slow, and you’ll make this year the best one you’ve ever had.

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