The 7 Best New Year’s Resolutions

The best new year’s resolutions to set yourself for a really great year.

Don’t set too many unattainable resolutions
Try to only set resolutions that you really believe you can stick to, going over the top with too many things will almost certainly end in failure, which is no good for anyone.
If you have a big goal, break it up into smaller ones and put dates next to them so you can keep tabs as you go, that way you can give yourself a pat on the back for each step you reach, no matter how small. You will feel so good when you reach another level, it will urge you on to reach the end.
Don’t forget to reasses resolutions every month or so, they don’t just have to be a new year thing, make it seasonal or at the end of each school term.

Change your focus from bad habits to good ones
Instead of focusing all your attention on giving up your bad habits, why not try to concentrate on setting some really good ones instead. like eating more healthily, doing a bit more exercise, drinking more water etc. Once you have got used to doing some of these good habits, some of your bad habits may just simply slip away or become less of a focus, making them easier to give up. You won’t know until you try!

Start each day with positive affirmations.
Stop the negative chatter and instead use positive thoughts and images. Be kind to yourself, it is easier than you think, once you get into the habit, and the results can be amazing.
Leave post it notes around the house, pop them on your bedside table, in the kitchen, in your lunchbox, desk drawer, wallet, etc, anywhere you will come across them throughout the day. They don’t have to be long winded, just short sentences like.
I am confident and happy.
I can make great things happen.
I believe in myself
Today is a new day, a new start.

Always make time for yourself
Include in your resolutions time for yourself, to relax, unwind and improve yourself. You could start a ten minute meditation each day, or 15 minutes reading a self help book, enrol on a course at night school. play a board game, do a jigsaw, go to bed half an hour earlier. Go on give yourself a break, life should not be lived at break neck speed.

Spend time with family and friends..
Family and friends are what make the world go round, most good memories contain one or both, so whilst having time to yourself is important, being sociable is too, it is good to talk and laugh and cry on someone’s shoulder and as the old saying goes, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved.’ Be sure your friends are supportive and good for you, don’t forget you are allowed to edit out people who drain your energy and are not really there for you.

Spend some time outdoors every day.
Even if it is just 5 minutes, nature is good for your soul and is everywhere, even in cities. Listen to the birds, hear the leaves on the trees rustle, look at the clouds moving up above. Breathe in some fresh air and stop for a few minutes to take it all in. This world we live in is pretty amazing but we are often just too busy to even notice it.

Learn to listen to your body.
Your body is very clever and knows exactly what is good for you, even though you can be tricked into thinking it doesn’t. To stay healthy and well this year, fill it with nourishing whole foods and drink, rest up occasionally, exercise regularly, spend time doing things you love and don’t reach for tablets every time you get a slight headache. Look at alternative therapies and always keep smiling.

Spending more time in nature, giving yourself time to be, making time for friends and family, listening to your body and being kind to yourself will make a huge impact on how you view the world and how the world treats you too.

Give all of these things some thought and this really could be your best year yet!