New Year's resolutions you can actually keep

How do you keep your New Year's resolutions?

We've entered the new year and, as always, we have a lot of New Year's resolutions we're highly motivated to keep. These usually involve losing weight, eating healthily, getting fit, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol - just like last year and the year before. You may not have managed to achieve your resolutions in previous years, but you have an expectation that you will this year. To actually finally live up to your New Year's resolutions, you might want to reformulate them so that they are more realistic and you don't lose motivation before spring.

Drop bans in your New Year's resolution

Have you ever made a deal with yourself to give up sugar and eat healthily, but you couldn't stick to it? Prohibitions are hard to work with, as it will always be tempting to have what is forbidden and you quickly feel defeated as soon as you can't stay away from the forbidden. Instead, try to prioritize when you want to enjoy sweets or a piece of cake. For example, if it's at the weekend, don't buy it until Friday and only buy the amount you want to eat. That way, you won't have it sitting in the cupboard tempting you all week or overeating without actually enjoying it.

Set realistic goals that are manageable

Resolutions like "I'm going to run 5 km every other day" are also very hard to keep. As soon as it's not possible in terms of time or you can't get out due to bad weather or lack of motivation, you'll experience another failure. As soon as you experience a failure, it often doesn't take long before your motivation drops and you drop out completely. In this case, it makes more sense to make a resolution to get out at least twice a week in running clothes. If it doesn't turn into a run, it will at least turn into a walk, which is much better than nothing. Plus, you will always feel good after being out in the fresh air. Usually, most people will actually find that the walk turns into a run, because the hardest part is actually getting into your running clothes and out the door. Once you've done that, you might as well go for a run.

Focus on physical fitness rather than numbers on the scale

Another popular New Year's resolution is to lose X number of kilos in the new year. But what happens when you've lost 5 kg? Will you lose the next 5 kg? And what if you suddenly gain a few extra kilos again? Will you ever be satisfied? A better resolution, which will cause far less frustration, is to get in better physical shape before the summer vacation. Take up running, cycle to work or find a class at the gym that you enjoy. A redistribution of weight, better self-esteem and more energy in everyday life will come automatically.

Assess your New Year's resolutions and make them realistic

I would recommend that you take a look at your New Year's resolutions and consider whether it makes sense for you to rephrase them in a way that makes them more realistic, so that you don't feel defeated as soon as you eat sweets or don't go for a run.

Consider alternative New Year's resolutions for a better everyday life

In addition to the classic New Year's resolutions, consider whether there are some alternative resolutions that can make your year even better. These could be small reminders to spend more time every day in peace and quiet and doing the things that make you happy. For example, take 10 minutes every day to sit quietly and think about the positive things that have happened during the day and drink a good cup of tea while doing so.

Get started with the small adjustments in your everyday life and have a great year!

By Josefine Huusom