3 worthy New Year’s resolutions that can actually save your life

At the end of every passing year family and friends exchange wishes for a new year full of happiness, prosperity, and most importantly health. It gives people a chance to turn over a new page and start the year with a fresh outlook on life.

It’s at this time of the year that many people go about writing their personal list of resolutions that they hope to accomplish in the coming year. In practice, however, breaking your resolutions is almost as much a tradition as making them. According to one study, 88 percent of those who set New Year resolutions don’t end up sticking to them. Does that mean you should forgo making resolutions altogether? Not quite. Instead, it’s all about setting worthwhile resolutions and knowing how to carry them out.

This year, instead of making a long list of resolutions you won’t accomplish, why not choose one or two you can keep? They’ll also be a lot easier to remember. Make sure to get support from someone who shares the same goal as you or a close friend or family member that believes in your cause. Finally, as Roosevelt once said, “believe you can and you’re half way there.”
Before running off to jot down your own resolutions, read on to learn about some worthy resolutions you might consider adding to your list.

Rework your attitude on health

Every year, people list resolutions, such as losing 20 kilograms, exercising daily, or banning chocolate, that lead them nowhere. This year, instead of seeing health as an all-or-nothing outcome, look at is as a continuum. Every positive move you make, such as using the staircase instead of the elevator, will get you closer to good health and every negative move, such as having a soda, will move you in the opposite direction. If you keep that continuum in mind, you’ll slowly start making small positive steps that will eventually lead you to your health and fitness goals.

Quit tobacco

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death. Fear that you’ve failed too many times to try again? On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. So don’t let it get you down and know you are on the path to success. And we’re not only talking to cigarette smokers here, but also to the cigar and hookah lovers.

What’s the best way to quit? While some people choose to quit smoking cold turkey, others feel gradually decreasing the number of cigarettes they smoke works better for them.

Nicotine replacement is now a readily available therapy that is a popular among quitters. Other less traditional ways include hypnosis, acupuncture, or counseling.

There are many different methods out there, so you’ll probably need to try a number of them to see what works best for you.

Cut your stress level

Who doesn’t encounter some form of stress in their lives? However too many worries, long work hours, not enough sleep, and not spending any recreational time can all contribute to something more risky; chronic stress. Long-term stress can increase your risk of heart disease, insomnia, depression, obesity, and much more.

Thanks to modern electronics, we’re switched on at an average of seven to eight hours a day and are more stressed than ever. The solution? Learn to unplug daily by spending an hour or two without your smart phone, iPad, TV and laptop.

You probably already know that a good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mood, appearance, and stress level. But sleep is more beneficial to your health than you might think and the lack of it can put you at risk of obesity, diabetes, and weaken your memory. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.

There is a growing body of research that has discovered that religion and spirituality can help relieve anxiety and stress. So why not pick up yoga and meditation as a new hobby.

Finally, learn to be a happier you! As humans, we’re wired to having deep and meaningful connections like marriage, close friendships and staying in touch with family. Connection and belonging are essential for a healthy and happy life. In today’s era, many people are losing this connection so make sure you actively pursue it.

What are your resolutions this year?