Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Have you given up yet? Each year, most people give up on their resolutions – especially ones that are health and fitness-focused – in less than three weeks. This year, Sunday, January 17, 2021 is Quitter’s Day,  the day most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions.

One reason why so many people give up is that New Year’s resolutions are often way too ambitious. It’s easy to hit the ground running January 1, but harder to keep up that enthusiasm as the days go by.

Experts say the key is to start small and stay consistent. Make smaller goals that you can increase over time, and reward yourself when you hit a goal.

Guideposts recently shared some healthy habits –designed to be easy to follow – that could let us age better, live longer and enjoy life.

• Start small: Take it one small step at a time. Eat one healthy meal a day; commit to a 15-minute workout; smoke one less cigarette.
• Get more sleep: The recommendation for adults 24-64 years-old is 7-9 hours a night, but 6-10 is also an acceptable range. Too little sleep can potentially lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and more. Try mindful breathing or aromatherapy if you have trouble sleeping, and put your phone away half an hour before bedtime.
• Track your progress: Write down your goal every day and what you’ve done to reach it. Most people benefit from visual cues, so keep a calendar or food diary, or update a fitness app to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
• Set your workout shoes by the door: Speaking of visual cues, leaving your gym bag or workout shoes by the door is an easy reminder to exercise. Or lay out your workout clothes the night before, so you’re ready to go.
• Drink water: So simple, yet so important. We know we should do it, but often do not. Staying hydrated improves everything from your metabolism to your digestion and mood.
• Found an accountability partner: Sometimes the best method of accountability comes from the outside. Find a friend to help support you and keep you inspired, or a workout buddy to keep you on target with texts or phone calls. Whatever your goal – health-based or not – having some outside support can make all the difference.

If you’re still sticking to your 2021 resolutions, good for you! And it’s never too late to decide to make a change, so don’t hesitate to start something new today. There’s no need to wait for the next new year to make a resolution that helps you lead a better life. Here’s to a healthy 2021!

This article was written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing

Source: 9 Healthy Habits You Can Actually Stick With, Guideposts.com.