Only eight per cent of people are estimated to stick to their New Year's resolution each year, so this year we're recommending a more effective approach.
Rather than setting a New Year's resolution focus on adopting a healthy everyday habit for 2019 instead. Building healthy habits is like a dance - there may be a few steps backwards, but there are many of steps forward as well!
Here's our top 4 tips for reframing your thinking and committing to a healthy everyday habit:
1. Reward yourself for achieving smaller goals - set yourself a target to walk every day for a month. Once you've achieved your goal, treat yourself with a new purchase or special outing to celebrate!
2. Be a good role model - go cycling with your kids or enjoy active outdoor activities together.
3. Sit less, move more - If you child is taking swimming lessons pass the time and stay active by walking laps around the pool - that's easily 30 minutes of exercise already! At work, have a walking meeting around the office block instead of sitting down.
4. Don't beat yourself up if you fall off the bandwagon - if you've had a day of indulgences or a week off from exercising, don't beat yourself up over it. Instead, focus on what you can do now. It might mean going for a 10 minute walk after dinner or choosing not to have a piece of cake at morning tea.
Want more health and wellbeing tips?
We deliver the LiveLighter program, which aims to encourage Australian adults to lead healthier lifestyles - to make changes to what they eat and drink, and to be more active.
You can find lots of great tips, resources and information at livelighter.com.au, including a handy worksheet to help you set effective goals!
Found in: News - 2018 | View all news