January is here and that means we have all got resolutions galore flying around us. Whilst setting resolutions is all well and good, making them too specific is commonly the reason we fall off the wagon with it all. This year instead of the usual resolutions, why not set a promise to yourself instead. A promise to do all you can to ensure your body and mind are well and truly looked after in 2019. Here are some steps to a successful January.
1: Write It Down
Get a little jotter or notebook and write down your goals. Set a short-term goal and a long-term goal. For example write what you want to accomplish by February and then by July etc
2: Move More
Simple but effective. Most people at this time of year are anxious about shaping up after the Christmas fun. To do this you simply have to commit to moving more. Whether that’s the gym, a class, a running program, walking with friends, swimming, a dance class or whatever way suits you best. There is no right or wrong way to workout. Of course you can follow programmes, train with trainers, hit numbers, targets and goals but it doesn’t have to be that complicated if you don’t want it to be. It’s whatever suits you, your time and your lifestyle best.
3: Make A Playlist
Music playlists can sometimes be all the motivation you need. Treat yourself to a new tune each week and add to your gym playlist. Stick your headphones on and enjoy time in your own little world.
4: Do A Big Healthy Shop
Get to your local store and get a big shop in with loads freshness and good food ingredients. A good thing to do before you do this is to look up some clean eating recipes that you can try in the week ahead and that way you can have everything you need to hand. Try one new recipe a week for the month of January. That’s not a lot to commit to and you’ll end up with four new ideas by then end of the month.
5: Keep A Food Diary
If you find eating a healthy diet hard then it comes to making good food choices keeping a written diary is always a winner. Writing down the hard truth of what you choose to eat can sometimes be motivation enough to keep you on track. Buy yourself a little notepad and each night take 5 minutes to write down how the day has gone.
6: Have A Soul Day
This is a big one for me and I always look to share the thought behind it. A “soul day” is a “you day” where you do activities that are good for the soul. It really helps if it in someway involves an outdoor activity. The power of fresh air – no matter how cold or wet – is amazing. You will 100% benefit from some outdoor time.
7: Step Off The Scales & Take Progress Pictures
Start with a ‘Day 1″ picture and document your progress weekly or bi-weekly by taking pictures. Wear the same gym gear and adopt the same stance and location for each picture so the changes can be clearly seen. I still take pictures all the time just so I can keep track of any changes. The scale is not a great tool of progress as it does not tell the full story. Step off them and take pictures instead.
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