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Consider a quiet night in -

Many people feel social pressure to party, but having a cozy night in with a few movies will leave you feeling smug and healthy the following morning, while others are nursing hangovers.

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Clear your head -

If you did enjoy a few New Year's drinks and wake up with a heavy head, don't beat yourself up. Resist the temptation to 'recover' with junk food or, worse still, a hair of the dog drink. See this as a fresh start, and aim to make the first day of the new year a healthy one.

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Hot water and lemon -

Regardless of whether or not you partied the previous night, drinking a mug of warm water with lemon juice before you eat or drink anything else will hydrate and cleanse the system and give you a feel-good boost.

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Clear out the fridge -

Make sure the last of the holiday junk food is used up by the end of the year, and have a good clear out, so you'll feel like you're starting afresh with your eating habits in the new year.

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Stock up on the good stuff -

Whether you do your grocery shopping in person or online, make sure you are well stocked up on healthy, fresh food that will do you good. But ensure you're buying healthy food that you actually enjoy: there's no point letting a fridge full of vegetables go bad while you order takeaway instead!

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Sign up for organic grocery deliveries -

Ordering organic fruit and vegetable boxes from local suppliers is a great way to keep fresh, healthy food coming in, while supporting the community rather than boosting supermarket profits.

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Consider a food tracking app -

If you feel like you eat healthily and exercise, but don't see any physical payoff, a calorie-tracking app, such as My Fitness Pal, might help. Many are free to use, easy to install, and help you keep a log of exactly what you're really consuming every day.

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Get outside -

As tempting as it may be to spend the day indoors hunkered down against the cold January weather, try to get outdoors. Wrap up warm!

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Set a new tradition -

Set a new tradition to always get January 1 off to a healthy start. Beginning with this year, factor in a New Year's Day walk or run as a key part of your holiday calendar. 

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Treat yourself to new kit -

There's nothing like the sight of fresh, flattering workout wear to put you in the mood for getting a sweat on. See this as an investment in your future health, and treat yourself to holiday sales!

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Take small steps -

Set your exercise ambitions too high, and you're at risk of falling at the first hurdle. Set yourself small goals, based on your current activity and fitness levels, and keep track of your progress. Fitness trackers and sports watches can keep you accountable and show you how much you've achieved!

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Get others on board -

Many people start the new year with a similar set of good intentions. Get friends and family on board to share goals for the year, and you can help keep each other accountable. If you can find an exercise buddy, even better!

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Think about the past year -

Think about the past year! Looking back on past plans and achievements can help you figure out what worked in the last 12 months, and what you'd like to change. 

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Think about your health plan -

Think about what you want to achieve, health-wise, in the coming year. Do you want to nail a yoga arm balance? Run a 10k? Start Pilates classes? Get six-pack abs? Firmly identifying what you want to achieve, and when, can make you accountable to yourself.

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Consider possible setbacks -

The best-laid plans can go wildly off course, often for reasons out of your control. Consider how you will keep on top of your health goals if things change.

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Check in with your mental health -

Prioritize your mental health at least as much as your physical health. Keeping a journal of feelings and emotions can help you keep on track of how things are going.

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See exercise as therapy -

Physical activity has well-documented benefits in boosting mental health, thanks to the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. Rather than seeing exercise as a chore to be endured for physical benefits, see it as a tool to help you look good and feel even better.

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Make this the year you start meditating -

The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are similarly well documented, but it can be surprisingly hard to set aside a few minutes to be 'in the moment.' Making a habit of a short-guided meditation first thing (you can even do it in bed) can be a good way to get started.

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Find new places to explore on foot -

If you're accustomed to driving everywhere, you might not even be aware of many walking routes by your own doorstep. Ditching the car and just setting off on a stroll around your own neighborhood can uncover new walking, running, or cycling routes.

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Walk more -

Driving can be stressful, and it does no good at all for the body or the planet. Ditching the car and getting to nearby places on foot will give you time to think, relax, and burn some calories at the same time.

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Get on your bike -

For longer distances, cycling instead of driving can be a whole lot more fun, as well as healthier. Dust the cobwebs off your bike and start cycling–who needs an expensive Peloton?

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See what you're saving -

If you've cut out cigarettes, calorific morning lattes, or late-night cocktails, work out how much you've saved. Seeing financial as well as physical benefits can be an extra incentive to keep going!

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Reward yourself -

If you've stuck to your health and fitness goals for a week, a month, or even just a day, give yourself a pat on the back. Whether it's a long soak in the tub or using your newfound extra cash to subscribe to a beauty box delivery, you can see this as a treat for your hard work.

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Try to accept the weather -

Sticking to health and fitness goals in January can be especially hard, as the weather seems to call for snuggling up with food and drink. Make sure you have weather-appropriate clothes, and do your best to get outdoors for at least a few minutes' walk every day.

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Up your tea game -

Whether you want to calm your mind with a bedtime blend, soothe your digestive system with stomach-calming herbs, or give yourself a healthy caffeine boost, there's a herbal infusion for it all. Tea is a healthy, generally inexpensive habit to get into, so start getting your tea collection going in the new year.

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Get some recipe book inspo -

Scrolling through foodie Instagram feeds is all well and good, but does anybody really follow the recipes? Digging out your old recipe books, or investing in some new ones, is a good way to get inspired for healthy meal ideas.

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Get prepped! -

No doubt you've heard it a million times, but meal planning really can help you keep on top of what you eat. Make sure you are choosing healthy meals you can actually look forward to, and get prepping for the week ahead.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Healthline)(Sunnyside) (Verywell Mind) 

See also: How to hack your happy chemicals

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