Tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions
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As the old year draws to a close and a new one beckons, it’s time to start thinking about making resolutions to see you through the next 12 months.

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping those pledges, read our article. It’s all about how to make New Year resolutions and stick to them so that you can feel proud of yourself when the next year rolls round!

1. Be realistic

Tips for sticking to New Year’s resolutions start with being realistic. This means choosing goals that you know you can hit.

It’s no use pledging to run a marathon if you are currently unfit and hate running. Instead, adapt your idea to a goal that’s more achievable for you.

So you could make a resolution to join a running club and work up to running your first 5k. This is achievable for most people. And once you’ve smashed that goal, you can create a new one, even if the year isn’t up!

2. Be specific

The more specific your targets, the more likely you are to achieve them.

For example, the resolution to 'lose weight' does not offer much direction. Be more specific by identifying how you will lose weight, how much you intend to lose and what period of time you need for this.

Having precise goals like these means you have the structure in place to achieve them.

3. Give yourself reminders

Remind yourself of your resolutions on a regular basis to keep them fresh and relevant.

There are lots of ways of doing this. You could set daily alarms on your phone to tell you what action you need to take at a particular time.

Or you could work out a long-term plan with entries in your digital or paper diary about working towards your goal.

You could also wear reminder wristbands, each with a specific goal linked to your resolution. The idea is that you wear your wristband until you have achieved that goal, then swap to the next one.

It’s really easy and affordable to get customised wristbands with your own personal messages added, making them ideal for anyone who needs a little reminder about their New Year’s resolutions.

For sporty goals, try silicone wristbands. They’re ideal if you’re participating in physical activity, as they’re comfortable, hard-wearing and won’t irritate your skin. They’re also available in a wide range of colours and styles, for example thicker slap bands, so you can make your wristband as personal as you like.

4. Reward yourself

You’ll be even more motivated to keep to your New Year’s resolutions if there’s a treat in sight.

Plan out your goals and rewards. So, for example, if one of your pledges is to lose weight, build in a healthy treat every time you hit a goal towards your target.

It doesn’t have to be food-related. Instead, you could book a massage or haircut or buy yourself that item of clothing you’ve always wanted to fit into.

5. Know your triggers

If you’re trying to give up a bad habit, know what your triggers are that make you want to do it.

For example, if you want to give up smoking, you need to identify what makes you reach for cigarettes.

Why not start a journal where you write down how you were feeling or what you were doing every time you get those cravings? This will help you understand patterns and triggers. If you can avoid certain triggering situations, you may find it easy to break those bad habits.

6. Swap a bad habit for a healthy one

Another hack for quitting bad habits is to swap them with healthy ones.

So if your natural instinct when you’re stressed is to reach for a cigarette, try replacing the tobacco with something healthier that’s still pleasurable too.

Have some delicious fruit available or make a stress-busting playlist that you can hit when your day gets challenging.

7. Go public

Making a public commitment to your New Year’s resolution can be a great motivator in keeping it going.

So why not shout out your good intentions on social media or to family and friends? By giving updates on how you’re doing, you will find the motivation and willpower to keep going.

You will also benefit from positive messages and support from your followers and friends.

Start your New Year the right way

The New Year is an ideal time to set new habits and goals for the next 12 months.

And you don’t have to struggle alone to achieve them.

Make your resolutions realistic and break your end target down into smaller goals. That way, you have more chance of sticking to them for the full year.

Take advantage of simple hacks like wearing reminder wristbands to give you that extra motivation. You’ll find a full selection on the Handband website, where you can take your pick of colours, styles and materials to suit you and your lifestyle.

And if you’re looking for ideas for inspirational New Year’s resolutions, check out this guide on the healthdirect website. It will give you inspiration for changes you can make that will make a big difference to your lifestyle…and ensure a healthy, as well as happy, New Year!