Team We Heart Living’s New Year’s resolutions

If you need help achieving your goals for 2017, read Team We Heart Living’s New Year’s resolutions for inspiration

Fewer than 10 per cent of us succeed in our New Year’s resolutions, regardless of how realistic they may initially seem. Improving health and wellbeing is always at the top of our lists regardless of how committed we were last year. Along with saving money, making more time for ourselves and improving our work-to-life balance. Breaking out of our lifestyle habits is the ultimate challenge, so try not to beat yourself up if you’re already struggling. If your SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-based) goals are shaky perhaps how Team WHL are staying on track with their New Year’s resolutions may help.

Erica Bush, Junior Writer

‘Top of my list is getting more sleep. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve headed to bed proud of myself for clocking off early, only to spend the next two hours watching YouTube videos, addictive Netflix series (just one more episode, right?) and scrolling aimlessly through Facebook. Not only do I wake up feeling tired, groggy and down-right grumpy, this in turn leads to poor decisions throughout the day, such as choosing an unhealthy lunch or skipping that evening workout. Sleep is essential – and it’s about time I got more of it!’

Sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. To improve your sleeping regime, try to stick to a strict sleep schedule. Decide on a specific time that you will sleep by and reduce electronics or other devices that may interfere. This will help the body to retrain habits as well as enhance the relaxation needed to sleep.

Amanda Khouv, Deputy Editor 

‘Rather than focussing on one aspect this year, I’m aiming to gain complete control over my wellbeing by striving for balance. While I usually focus on getting to the gym, this year I’ll place just as much importance on eating well, enjoying myself and resting well.’

Being realistic with your goals, time and emotions can all help to improve wellbeing, which will in turn improve other aspects of your life.

Sabrina Barr, Junior Writer and Editorial Assistant 

‘My New Year’s resolution is to become more consistent with my weekly exercise regime. I have an occasional tendency to give all or nothing when it comes to exercise. I’ll spend a week being really committed to working out, going to the gym lots, trying new classes and feeling great. Then I’ll spend the next week doing barely anything. I’m going to try really hard to structure my weeks efficiently and to not let myself get carried away by exercising way too much or way too little. It’s all about maintaining a healthy balance.’

We tend to think of exercise as being associated with the gym or sports, but we can improve our fitness by sneaking it into our daily routine. Choose the stairs over the lift and walk where possible rather than drive. Switching up our routines can help to maintain motivation and strengthen muscles.

Latoya Gayle, Intern 

‘“If today was your last would you be pleased with how you spent it?” Motivating me to try something new, be creative and embrace challenges, I think keeping about this question. I keep it at the forefront of my mind to help me achieve this year’s resolution of “Living without Limits”. Self-belief can be just as important for wellbeing and mental health as exercise and nutrition, and I think it’s so easy to forget that. I want to break through the limitations and doubt I place on myself for a memorably mindful year. ‘  

Mindful living is closely associated with practising meditation as it is associated with peace and clarity. Helping to combat anxiety, depression and stress, the best way to practise mindfulness is to clear your mind from distraction and concentrate on your thoughts rationally.  To succeed in seeing results from mindful living, it is advised to develop a routine where time to think is a priority.