Now that 2024 has begun, I’m sure a lot of people are thinking about trying to be healthier and more mindful after all the Christmas festivities.

Do you find yourself looking for ways to better yourself through exercising more regularly, losing weight, starting a new hobby or being more sensible with money at the beginning of each new year?

Instead of setting unrealistic goals and caving in one month into the year (like most of us do!), I’d like to go through how we can set more realistic goals that are easy, attainable and beneficial.

1. Setting a REALISTIC goal.

Instead of thinking of 10 goals all in one go, focus on one goal at a time if you know you struggle to maintain motivation. And make it an easy one to follow! For example, if you know you want to exercise more regularly, start with something smaller by stretching your body at the end of the day to release tightness and tension. Perfect for whilst you’re watching TV! Then once you are consistent with this, introduce a 15–20-minute workout and slowly work your way up to what works well for you.

2. Add in 2 new fruits/veggies to your meal each day or add 1 new healthy food each week.

You can use the alphabet to help with inspiration (A – asparagus, B – broccoli, C – carrot etc). This may be easier instead of trying to eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables as it may not be sustainable.

3. Using smoothies to pack in more nutrition

Smoothies are a great way of combining lots of superfoods, antioxidants and minerals into our diet by drinking it as a snack or as your breakfast, especially if you don’t like eating fruits/vegetables on their own.

4. Having a water bottle on you at all times to stay hydrated

I personally like to carry a 1.5 or 2L bottle with me so I know that if I’ve finished one bottle, I’ve at least had my minimum intake for the day. If you hate water, add a little bit of squash to it to motivate you to drink more.

5. Find a workout buddy to keep you both accountable

I find this very helpful as you will both help to motivate each other on the days you aren’t feeling up to it and also boosting each other’s confidence if you feel nervous about going to the gym!

6. Give yourself at least 10 minutes a day, just for you

Whether that’s having a bath, reading a chapter or two from your book, having a nap, meditating, walking, or any other hobby that brings you peace, calmness and time to recharge mentally. We all have a spare 10 minutes somewhere in our day, it’s just what we choose to do with it that makes the difference!

7. Give yourself an inspirational quote as your own personal mantra.

It’s very easy to get caught up in stressful situations on a daily basis, but if you find a phrase that helps you deal with things that worry/stress you. Here are some good examples I’ve come across:

‘Act confident and no one will question you’

‘My anxious thought have no power over me’

‘Don’t ruin a good day today by thinking about a bad day yesterday’

‘I am always good enough’

‘I allow my inner wisdom to guide me’

8. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep regularly

Making sleep a priority is a massive part of your body’s ability to heal. As well as its general repairing benefits, when our sleep is lacking, so does our energy, effort and motivation to be productive and reach our goals – whether they’re big or small. So make sure you wind down before bed, wear an eye mask, listen to calm music, and get those 7-9 hours of well needed sleep.

Blog by Charlee