1. LOSE WEIGHT
After Christmas’ excesses, for many of us the #1 goal at the start of the year is to shed a few pounds. Improved health can be a life-changer and the psychological boost to feeling good about ourselves is significant. Better food choices, watching portion sizes and boosting activity levels are key to success.
Visit www.nhs.uk/livewell for practical advice on losing weight, and read our article by nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert or follow this LINK
2. GET FIT
It’s 1 January, time to pull on those trainers and hit the gym. If membership fees worry you, there are tons of ways to be active for free. Walking, skipping, even window shopping at speed are easy ways to get some exercise.
Visit www.nhs.uk/livewell for ideas to get active – download free podcasts that provide a virtual coach to keep you motivated.
3. QUIT SMOKING
A life without addiction to cigarettes is most definitely within your power, no matter how long you’ve been smoking for. There are a number of successful strategies to break the habit without the need to revert to e-cigarettes.
Visit www.nhs.uk/livewell to find out details of your nearest NHS Stop Smoking service, or call 0300 1231044 to talk with a trained adviser.
4. DRINK LESS
With recent changes to drink driving levels north of the border, plus an industry shift towards encouraging responsible drinking, there are both social and health reasons to review your alcohol intake. Swapping to non-alcoholic beverages means you don’t have to miss out on the good times.
Visit www.nhs.uk/change4life for practical tips and advice on cutting back.
5. SORT YOUR FINANCES
If Christmas bills have left you in a financial mess, take action now to
ensure that you get things back on track. From practical advice to understanding and managing debt, there’s lots of ways to save cash.
Visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk for free advice on your rights, and moneysavingexpert.com has daily tips to manage your finances.
6. SEE THE WORLD
If you’ve always longed to travel, make this the year that you do it. Why not go off the tourist track and enjoy a life-changing journey – visit online forums and read about other’s adventures before planning your own.
There are tons of online travel guides, but two of our favourites to try are lonelyplanet.com and wanderlust.co.uk for global inspiration.