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One third of people don’t make it past the end of January when trying to achieve their new years resolution. That doesn’t mean you have to be one of them. A lot of the resolutions nosedive because they aren’t achievable goals in the first place, either having too high expectations, too vague, unrealistic or doing something someone else wants you to do not yourself.

You need to start by asking yourself what you want to change in your life the next year, and if that can be done solely on your own, because if other people factor into that goal, it is less likely it will be attained. Write it down and make it absolutely clear. Don’t just say “I want to lose weight”, write down exactly how much you want to lose and by what date. i.e. 5kgs in 3 months. It is more effective because you can see the end goal clearer.

Most resolutions flourish when measured. Some goals like weight are easy to measure, but if you wanted to stop a bad habit maybe write down how many times you do it a day, use photos if applicable i.e. nail bitting, this should be regularly jotted down either on paper or an app so you can measure and reinforce your progress.

The goal must be realistic, don’t jump too big too fast. That will just bring you down when you haven’t achieved them yet. I.e. wanting to save $1000 a month may be unachievable, always start small with something like $100/month.

You need to be sure this goal matters to you. Is it for the right reasons? Sure, its easy to say I want to eat clean because people think that’s what you should do. But if there is no progress to eating cleaner, there will be a burn out of passion of that goal, hence why people give up. Think of your goal as not just a resolution but changing the structure and meaning of your life.

 

Is The hustle and bustle of Christmas time damping your Christmas spirt with stress? Or you might just never have enjoyed Christmas. Its not to late the get in the spirt of things whether it's a refresh or new concept.

In the last week leading up to Christmas try a new spirit boosting tradition each day.

On the first day put on that Christmas playlist, in the car and at home. Wrap the presents and decorate the house and tree a little more. Better yet get the whole family involved, spend a day wrapping everything all together listening to those Christmas tunes.

Spend a bit of this week to help those in need, there a dozen charity events that run during this time and could really do with all the help they can get. This could be in a soup kitchen, gift wrapping or buying gifts for those who just can’t afford them.

On the third day, start baking. Make some yummy mince pies or ginger bread men. Decorating the ginger bread men with your kids or friends will be fun activity and will surely get you into that Christmas spirit.

Following night, curl up on the lounge and watch a Christmas movie with your family and friends. Don’t forget to get out those freshly baked goods from the day before to snack on.

Its now only a day or two before Christmas which makes it the perfect time to stroll around your neighbourhood or others to see the lights and decorations.

Christmas eve is a few hours away, make sure by now you have prepared everything for Christmas day including food and presents so that the day doesn’t become a heap of stress and you can visit all your loved ones with ease.

 

It’s easy to let go of our healthy ways once summer hits and especially around the Christmas holidays. These are a few tips to help you get through the summer feeling amazing and relaxed.

The first tip is to start your day with a healthy blend of fruit and vegetables, with ice and yogurt, this will cool you down and increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. Summer is also a time to try new foods, especially the healthy range you have been avoiding. Try that dark mint chocolate with a cup of tea instead of that bowl of ice-cream, try more fruit and nuts you haven’t given a go before. There will be those hot summer nights where you just don’t feel like cooking, but don’t turn to your phone for uber eats or takeaway, opt for home-made salad or spelt pasta with fresh sauce. Having large portions of takeaway involve the body to use a lot more energy to digest hence why you wake up feeling sluggish with a poor night’s sleep.

A healthy summer is not just about the food its also about creating a happy mental state. This can begin with switching off from technology. It is a lot easier to stop worrying about what’s going on when you don’t know. Start being spontaneous and jump in the car for a trip and see where the day takes you, sometimes planning can become stressful, you never know where you can end up. If you drive past a bushwalk, stop and go for that walk. Scientists have proved that walking in nature controls depressions, boosts mood, improved immunity and is great exercise.

Summer is the perfect time for “natural” fitness, there is no need to go into that gym and walk on that treadmill for 30 mins whilst staring out to summer sky. Go outside, go for a swim, bushwalk, rock climbing, horse riding, you will see how fit you will become without even realising, because you enjoyed every moment of it.

Getting together with friends and family is also important to a healthy summer and life. Organise afternoon drinks with friends and a special high tea for the grandparents. These visits won’t only increase your happiness but theirs. With your partner or best friend create a bucket list for the summer. “New experiences are great for bonding and important for the long-term health and happiness of relationships,” says clinical psychologist Dr Lissa Johnson.

Spending more time doing new things with your children is very import too. Sometimes you must think like a kid to immerse yourself in the day, so run with them through the sprinklers and swim with them at the beach and you will find yourself having fun too.

 

Summer sounds like a busy time of year and it is, but we must remember to have some “me” time as well. Most of us feel guilty for this, but it is needed and should be understood by others. So, take some time to get a massage, read a book and relax. It will help you think clearer and recharge.

Christmas time can be stressful, long lines, confused shoppers and screaming kids. It doesn’t have to be this hard though, it can actually be quite a fun experience.

To begin with start shopping early, we suggest end of November to the first week of December. That way if anything is forgotten there’s plenty of time to go back. Begin with making a list, who you have to buy for, the budget and some ideas.

The easiest way we have all found to shop is online. This needs to be done earlier enough that packages are delivered on time. This can be a fun way to shop, pour yourself a glass of wine, get your laptop out and start ticking things off the list. Some online stores even offer gift wrapping which is a bonus because no one enjoys doing that.

When really stuck for ideas, gift cards can be a great solution. It gives the person more of a choice with want they want to buy. There are also vouchers for activities such as dinner on a boat, high tea, cooking classes, yoga retreats, massages & spas, wine tasting, sky diving and plenty more never seem to go unwanted. Because gift cards are often small to open, pairing it will a nice bottle of wine will never go unwelcomed.

To find that simple and unique gift is hard to find, and that’s exactly where to find it on, Hard To Find. A unique gift I have always found is pleasant to receive as an adult is a nice plant, candle/diffuser, perfume, jewellery and power tools. A unique idea for a child/teen could be polaroid camera, pool/beach toys, family board games, waffle maker, books or clothing.  

Stocking stuffer ideas for the whole family could be sweets, art supplies, sunscreen, beauty supplies, pyjamas, socks, undies, bath accessories, games for outside and in, candles, fishing accessories, cooking tools, Bluetooth speakers/headphones, tea cup, water bottle.

Charity gifts are amazing to give others regardless, but its an excellent idea to for those who asked for “nothing”. There are many organisations that have created Christmas cards that you can give to people for a certain donation amount that will say “you have given this family in Africa a goat” or “one water pump”. Otherwise there are plenty of charity’s that need Christmas gifts bought for children from disadvantaged families.

Make Christmas a fun time of year, and start shopping early.