Top 5 most Common New Year's Resolutions

It will come as no surprise to learn that the most common New Year's resolutions include diet, fitness and health. After the excesses of Christmas and perhaps gaining a few pounds, most people start thinking about eating less, getting fit and preparing for the warmer weather by toning their beach body!

Read on to find out more about the top five most common New Year's resolutions and see whether you're on trend with your goals for 2018.

1. Lose weight

Just about everyone wants to lose weight in the New Year! Whether you've simply over-indulged over the festive period, or you've been planning to shed a few pounds anyway, this is the time of year when it seems like a good idea. When you're on social media sites, it seems everyone is posting "before and after" pictures of themselves, or photos of their dinner, or tips on weight loss.

The most important thing to remember is that fad diets won't keep the weight off long-term. The pounds will soon pile on again as soon as you start eating normally. It's important to think of weight loss as a lifestyle choice, rather than something you try once a year. You need to eat healthily all the time, with the correct mix of protein and calories. Keep some healthy meals or snacks in your fridge or freezer, so if you're in danger of lapsing and grabbing a chocolate bar, there's a low-calorie alternative to hand instead.

2. Get fit

This goes hand-in-hand with the number one resolution, as losing weight and sticking to a sensible fitness regime are the best ways of getting and staying healthy. However, you're more likely to fail if you start out by feeling over-ambitious and expecting instant results. When the realisation hits you that it's a slower process than you thought, it's too easy to lose heart and find excuses not to work out.

Psychologists advise that we should split our resolution into small goals to contribute towards a bigger end result. They should be measurable and specific, such as completing a certain amount of time at the gym, or losing an achievable amount of weight per week, so we're not facing one huge, daunting task. Also, get yourself a gym buddy - a friend or workmate who will work out with you. That way, you're reliant on each other, so it’s harder to dodge training!

3. Spend less, save more money

Plenty of people resolve to spend less in the New Year, particularly if you've gone over budget at Christmas. Its common sense to try and manage your budget properly and money saving experts have plenty of advice on offer. Simple tips to keep you on track include spending cash on your necessary weekly expenditure, rather than using a bank card, as this helps you to keep track of how much you've spent.

By working out what you need for the week and withdrawing it in cash, you won't be tempted to splurge on luxuries that you don't need with your card. In doing this, you must work to a set budget, something you'll need to sit down and organise. Write down all your income and all your essential expenditure. If you're continually in debt, look at your lists and see if you can fine-tune any expenditure and reduce spending.

4. Stop smoking

Stopping smoking is a New Year resolution for many smokers, although the journey to being smoke-free isn't easy. It's worth persevering, as quitting reduces the risks of serious diseases and death from smoking-related conditions. It can also leave you feeling healthier and stronger in general. Former smokers have reported enjoying more activities and a better lifestyle, exercising more and eating healthier.

Some people simply throw out their lighters and ashtrays and stop buying cigarettes but for most smokers, it can take several attempts to be successful. Various means of help are available: exercises such as yoga can help you to cope with nicotine withdrawal, or products such as nicotine patches and chewing gum can help to ween you off tobacco products - e-cigarettes are the latest aid. Some turn to the NHS for help and some even try hypnosis.

5. Live life to the full

As the saying goes, "New year, new start," and many people decide to start living life to the full. The New Year is a time to get out of that rut and start living, rather than simply existing. Psychologists say the key to succeeding in this resolution isn't necessarily making major changes in your life. For many people, this isn't possible, due to circumstances.

However, you can still live life to the full by changing your mind set, embracing your life as it is and starting to think in a more positive manner. For example, when you wake up, think to yourself, "What am I most looking forward to today?" and even if it's something relatively simple, make the most of it. Then, at the end of the day, say to yourself, "What was the thing I enjoyed most today?" and think positive thoughts.

If your New Year’s resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle with a sensible diet and exercise regime, take a tip from the experts and have some prepared meals and snacks in your fridge and freezer to reduce the risk of snacking on sugary treats. Solent Plastics provides a wide range of food storage boxes in all shapes and sizes to get you organised. Please contact us for further information on our full range of food-grade products.