It’s a tradition on New Year’s Eve that you make a resolution for the year ahead. Some people pledge to lose weight, others decide to stop smoking and lots more say they are going to get fit and more active – but all too often you break that resolution just a few weeks into the New Year.
If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution – and you’re really, really determined to stick to it this time! – here’s some help and advice to assist you on your journey.
Maybe this time …
1. LOSE WEIGHT and/or GET FIT
One of the most common New Year resolutions is to eat better, exercise more and lose weight. After all of the rich and indulgent feasts you’ve had this holiday season, it might seem easy to stick to a diet of leafy greens at first. But when those cravings set in, it can be hard to stay on track with your diet. Plus, cold weather makes it harder for some people to get motivated and hit the gym.
If you’re looking to eat more healthily, ignore faddy diets – portion control will play a big part in your success. One good way to be more aware of what you’re eating is to use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients or weigh out portion sizes. A solid kitchen scale shouldn’t cost the earth and it’s an investment worth making.
Check out the library for books on good food and healthy eating, and Pilton Community Health Project’s website is a mine of useful information too www.pchp.org.uk
Many people sign up for a gym membership at this time of year but for a considerable number that’s as far as it goes – it can be hard to get motivated to leave the house on cold January days and evenings; it’s so much easier to put it off to another day! Gym memberships can also be very expensive – again, Pilton Community Health should be your first port of call for local exercise and healthy activities.
With Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on your doorstep (551 2400) it’s worth checking out Edinburgh Leisure to see what’s on offer both locally and across the city: telephone 458 2100 or visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
If you need a little reminder to be active, a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Flex can be a big help, but starting at around £50 they are quite an expensive reminder! I find trying to tie my shoelaces is enough of a reminder for me …
2. QUIT SMOKING
You know smoking is a bad habit that hits both your health and your wallet, but stopping is tough – it can take some people years and many, many failed attempts before they kick the habit. If you want 2015 to be the year you finally quit smoking, there are all kinds of products that can help wean you off the fags: there’s gum, patches and nasal spray inhalers – all of which help give you a boost of nicotine without having to inhale all that nasty smoke.
Many are turning to e-smoking as an aid to kicking the tobacco habit. If you’re looking to try out e-cigs as a way to cut back on actual cigarettes, you can now get a starter kit, charger, and carrying case set at increasingly competitive prices.
People who are trying to quit smoking the traditional way also appreciate having additional support options, and Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking book is still the most popular on the market.
NHS Lothian offers a range of stopping cessation sessions and Smokeline Scotland is also a great place to go for support, advice and tips.
http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/HealthInformation/HealthAwareness/Smoking/Pages/default.aspx
Smokeline 0800 848484 www.canstopsmoking.com
3. SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE DEBT
Whether you want to get out of debt or just start saving for a big ticket item, there are lots of people who will be trying to spend their money more wisely in 2015. Setting up a personal budget can help you monitor your spending.
One tactic you can try to help you stay on budget is doing all your shopping in cash when you can, rather than using a debit card, cheque or credit card to pay for items – it’s estimated that people who pay for things with a card can spend almost 20% more on a transaction than those who are paying with cash.
If you’ve racked up a lot of debt on a credit card and you’re paying a hefty rate of interest, you should look around to see what deals are on offer and transfer that debt over to a 0% balance transfer credit card. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid paying interest on that debt for a set period – some up to 35 months – and this will give you plenty of time to start tackling your debt without worrying about the interest accumulating.
The Money Advice Service has a good website for money saving advice, but if you are already in debt – get help, don’t let your problems escalate. Pilton CAB and Granton Information Centre are two local agencies that can help.
Don’t be tempted by payday loans or worse – the interest is astronomical. Check out Credit Unions which are a much cheaper and ethical way of helping you to manage your money.
Remember, if you spent too much over Christmas those bills will be arriving soon, so ACT NOW.
www.moneyadviceservice.org
www.moneysavingexpert.com
www.capitalcreditunion.com
North Edinburgh Credit Union, Wardieburn Drive 466 5006
Granton Information Centre, West Granton Road www.gic.org.uk 551 2459
Pilton CAB, Drylaw Shopping Centre on Ferry Road 202 1153 www.citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk/
The Scottish Government has also just launched a new website to help guide you to the support and advice you need. Visit:
http://www.lightentheloadscotland.gov.uk/
4. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE or SKILL
It’s never too late to learn something new and the New Year is the perfect time to try something different, whether for leisure or to open up new employment opportunities.
Locally, check out Edinburgh College – new courses start this month – and Craigroyston Community High School is running a wide variety of adult day and evening classes.
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20070/adult_and_community_learning
5. GO GREEN
Thinking about going green this year? There are lots of small changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce your energy bill, recycle materials in innovative ways and help do your part to make the planet healthier. www.greenerscotland.org is a good place to start for ideas.
6. VOLUNTEER and/or GIVE TO CHARITY
Many people plan to be more generous with both their time and any disposable income they may have in 2015 (some chance, I hear you say!)
Looking to donate time, not money, then? There are lots of ways you can donate your time – local and national charities and voluntary organisations are crying out for willing volunteers in all sorts of roles. There’s bound to be something to suit you – a good place to start is Volunteer Centre Edinburgh – go to www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to see what you can do.
Time Banks are another great way to donate your time, energy and skills and get the same back in return – visit www.edinburghtimebank.org.uk for more information.
So, you’ve decided on your resolution? Here are some tips to help you stay on track when times get tough:
- Set yourself realistic goals, not impossible targets. Don’t think about losing two stone in a month, or running a marathon after a fortnight’s exercise!
- Don’t be all-or-nothing – you’re likely to have the odd slip along the way but don’t allow that to make you give up
- Remove temptation – no point in making things even more difficult for yourself
- Reward yourself along the way
- Thing positively and keep your eye on the prize – there may be tough times but the end result will be worth it!
GOOD LUCK!
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