Here we are already mid-way through January and after a relaxed start to the year, the question begs to be asked, how can we keep our new year’s resolutions?

If you’ve committed to making more time for any of the following, read on to see how making small changes can help you stay on track.    

1. Self-care  Never underestimate the power of looking after yourself. According to Healthy WA, self-care at its most basic means taking steps to prevent illness and injury in everyday life through a healthy lifestyle and being aware of your mental health. Healthy WA recommends prioritising self-care, so why not start your year by making time for that massage, fitness class or daily walk around the park with your dog? It’s also great to catch up with good friends and family who fill your cup. It doesn’t sound like much, but putting aside half an hour a day just for you will make all the difference.

2. Eating for Nutrition  If you overdid it at Christmas time you can feel a little sluggish in January, but it’s easy to get back on track. Try and follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines and eat a range of foods that are good for your health. It’s not always possible to eat healthily, but if you’re making the right choices most of the time you can treat yourself now and then. Eat and drink in moderation and you’ll be on track to keep yourself healthy, maintain your weight and your health goals for the year ahead.

3. Drink water  Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest things we can do for our health. Water is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet and according to Health Direct; “Between 50% and 80% of the human body is made up of water. All the body’s chemical processes take place in water. We need water for digestion, to absorb nutrients, to help us move, get rid of waste products and to regulate our body temperature.” To keep on track with your water consumption set a timer that reminds you to drink during work hours, start the day with a cup of hot water and lemon or enjoy a hot or cold herbal tea. It’s a small change your body will thank you for.

4. Get social Being part of your community, whether that’s your neighbourhood, a community centre, volunteer group or connecting with loved-ones can help stop feelings of isolation and make you feel like you belong. If you want to be more social in 2023, look out for volunteer groups who need people or find activities local to your area by visiting the Act Belong Commit website so you can get involved and make new friends. It’s also positive to connect often with your family and friends, check-in on them regularly and you’ll find they do the same for you.

5. Keep moving Exercise isn’t just great for your body, it’s also great for your mental health. Commit to moving regularly for a month, then review how much better you feel at the end of it. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel good chemicals that lift your mood. Being active is also about promoting your health and wellbeing at every age and moving can come in many forms; light, moderate and rigorous. All of these play a part in your wellbeing, but if you’re moving for even half an hour every day, you’re off to a great start.

6. Keep up-to-date with health appointments Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist Danielle Walker said staying on top of your vaccinations and getting regular health checks is important for the new year. “We all have those appointments that we know we need to stay on top of, but we get busy and we push them to one side. It’s vitally important to keep up-to-date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccines and we also recommend a heart health check, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, plus regular check-ins with your GP,” she said. “If you review this in January, you’ll know what needs to be done for the year ahead.

7. Seek support Reach out to health professionals if you’d like to discuss something for the year ahead. “Health concerns can be all consuming,” Danielle said. “But fears are often alleviated when you sit down and talk to a professional about them, whether that be a GP, your local pharmacist or you reach out to a specific health organisation.