Top Tips to a Healthier and Happier New Year

New Year has arrived and the rise of fad diets, weird and wonderful exercise trends and generally strange things in the health and fitness industry is at it’s peek. This time of year is when most people decide they are going to make an effort to get fitter and healthier and are really motivated to make a change. Unfortunately most people don’t really know how and where to start. They see all of adverts for these fad diets and exercise trends and, due lack of knowledge in this area and clever marketing skills, will be drawn into them.

Here are some top tips on how to start your New Year the right way-

Be realistic

First and most importantly; be realistic about your goals. A lot of people make the mistake of wanting too much, too quickly and this is one of the top reasons why people fail in reaching their goals. Looking to lose a little weight? Set yourself small targets that are achievable. 1-2lbs a week is enough. If you set the bar too high, you’re setting yourself up for failure from the beginning.

Enjoy Exercise

There is nothing worse than feeling like exercise is a chore. All of your friends have joined the local spinning class and they love it but you simply don’t feel that way? Don’t do it. The chances of you keeping up with an exercise routine you dislike are slim so choose something you enjoy. Try out lots of different classes and even going to the gym until you find what you enjoy, even if it’s simply going for a run! The chances of you sticking with it are much higher if you see exercise as something to look forward to.

Sleep

It has been said and it will keep being said but sleep plays a huge part in our overall health and happiness. We all know that feeling of being miserable, groggy and irritated because we had a bad nights sleep. A lot of people do everything right- eating well, exercise regularly- yet they feel rubbish and don’t see the results they would like. Often, this is due to lack of sleep. Consistent good sleep will do WONDERS for how you feel and your overall health.

Focus on Health

With all of these diets and ways of eating and exercising splattered across the media for us all to see and be confused by, why not just simply focus on being healthy? Learn what foods make you feel good and which ones make you feel rubbish. Figure out what makes you feel good and focus on eating a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly (even if it’s a 30- minute walk) and you are good to go.

Habits over Motivation

TMotivation has it’s place and yes, you have to be motivated to want to make changes in the first place but, don’t rely on motivation forever. Create habits and you will automatically do these things without relying on feeling motivated. We are creatures of habit, not motivation. As much as people want a quick and easy route to everything (we can’t help it, we are programmed that way), it simply isn’t sustainable to be that way when it comes to health and happiness. You need to be in it for the long haul and be ready for some education along the way.

Guest post by Amie