5 New Years Resolutions You Can Stick To

New Years Resolutions are notoriously never stuck to. Want to lose 15 stone in 2017? Well for goodness sake, don’t make it a New Year’s resolution or you could well struggle to lose 15 pounds.

No. The way to deal with New Year’s resolutions is to treat them as life goals. Think of things that will enrich your life and add to it rather than take away.

Then, if you do want to do more serious things, you can in your own time and without the pressure.

Here are 5 ideas to stick to this year.

1.Less screen time. It s so hard with smartphones permanently stuck to our arms. It seems we are never too far away from the latest tweet, photo or status update. We have all seen the memes about how it can affect our children-especially when they come home from school and are vying for our attention. Ban all smart phones from 4pm until bedtime to give your time and attention to your kids. It will also refresh your mind.

2.Rekindle date nights in your relationship. When you have children, it can be all too easy to forget your own identity let alone that of you and your partner. With two children and another on the way, I have to be realistic about this. It is not going to be a weekly thing but a meal out or a film night once in a while would be lovely so it is something we will have to work at.

3.Get out doors more. This can be hard, especially when the weather is bad but the difference I see with my children when the have had fresh air and ran around a bit it amazing. They sleep better and everything. It would do everyone good.

4.Don’t sweat the small things. This can be easier said than done but I am becoming a lot better at this than I used to be. Don’t take things personally. If people don’t text you, it’s their loss. If you don’t get invited for coffee, arrange to go with someone else. I have spent my whole life worrying what other people think when really, the people I really care about-mainly my family, are the only ones I am truly bothered about what they think. It will make you happier.

5.Laugh more. Be silly with your children. Play practical jokes on people (not mean). Laughter really is the best medicine and it is free.

Happy New Year.