The top 5 ways to make this year your best ever

31 Jan The top 5 ways to make this year your best ever

Christmas is over, the New Year celebrations have come and gone, and the holidays have come to an end.

Now is the time we start to get back on track and into the usual routine. But do you want to go back to the same old routine? Is there anything you should be doing on a regular basis to improve your life and well-being?

If you think there is room for improvement, here are my top 5 ways to make 2022 your best ever.

1. Find a workout buddy and set goals together to make exercise fun.

If you find it hard to get motivated to exercise on your own (and it happens to the best of us), then having a workout buddy can be a game changer.

Working with a friend or in a group, makes you more accountable and helps push yourself just that little bit harder. Plus working with others gives greater variety of training and just makes exercising so much more fun.

So get hold of an exercises buddy and plan to go for a walk or hike, take up a sport or sign up to a bootcamp together.

2. Be active – every day

Most Australians need to move more – at least 30 minutes a day. In fact, studies show that just walking daily promotes disease prevention.

Regular physical activity will help you have more energy, lower your stress levels, maintain a healthy weight, and will help you relax and sleep better.

If this seems too much to start, break it up throughout the day, 10 minutes before work, 10 minutes afterwards and 10 minutes home with the kids or your better half.

3. Make sure you get a good night sleep – every night

I cannot stress just how important this is. A good night’s sleep makes the world of difference to your performance during the day.

Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and staves off diseases (such as obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular issues).

The way you feel when you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you’re sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

4. Find an inspirational space to recharge

Create or find a peaceful space and take time out to prioritise your own well-being. Whether it is 10 minutes or a weekend away, scheduling your downtime will help to make it a priority and a normal part of your daily routine.

Turn your phone off, ask your family and friends not to interrupt you unless an emergency arises, and take care of any tasks that require immediate attention beforehand, so you’re not spending your time thinking about what needs to be done. Your family will be just fine, your emails will still be there, and the world will not fall apart if you take time out of your day to meet your own needs.

5. Aim for new measurable goals monthly

Forget those New Year’s resolution – think more short-term and create a new goal every month. This will be more realistic to achieve and won’t seem like you need to overhaul your life.

Whether it is to lose two kilos, exercise two to three times a week or to have four alcohol free days a week, very small steps will make a huge difference by the end of the year.