Six simple steps to a happier, healthier 2017

Abi Jackson looks at ways to ring the changes in 2017 .   

TALK about your worries: We will all face challenges and low periods (no matter how glittering things look on social media).

Whether it’s a chat with a friend, your GP, opening up to a stranger on a helpline, or finding solace with people going through similar experiences on an internet forum — find the space that works for you and offload.

Ditch diets

We all know diets can be a vicious cycle, setting you up for mood swings and often greater weight gain — and just recently, a US study found women who yo-yo dieted had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death and coronary heart diseases.

“It’s worth bearing in mind that most foods have some health benefits (except the processed, sugary types),” says says nutrionist Shona Wilkinson.

“You can therefore still have most foods, but save some for occasional treats.

“For example, it isn’t beneficial for health to eat red meat every day, but certainly the occasional steak with vegetables is great. By limiting your intake of a particular thing, rather than cutting it out, you can save yourself the torment of cravings.”

Exit the office cake trap

Barely a week goes by in our office when somebody isn’t slicing cake and offering it round.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional slice of cake, but this is a very real example of how easy it can be to lose control of good intentions when you’re in a group, or your environment doesn’t support them.

Chances are you’re not the only one in the office concerned about the repercussions of scoffing cake and biscuits on a daily basis, so why not make a pact with colleagues to bring in healthy snacks and limit treats?

Move your body

It’s a solidly established fact that people who are regularly physically active have a significantly lower risk of major diseases like type 2 diabetes, many cancers and heart disease — and there’s a wealth of evidence that exercise supports mental health too.

Find the ‘thing’ that feels like a joy, rather than a chore — whether it’s country walks, dancing, skipping in the garden or ultra-marathons — and just do it.

Curate your social media

Does browsing Facebook leave you on a bit of a downer? Battling FOMO attacks, questioning why everyone else’s life looks better than yours?

Newsflash: You’re in the driving seat here. Nobody’s forcing you to look at Facebook or Instagram, or feel bad afterwards.

If it’s impacting your self-esteem and moods, do something about it — just have a break entirely, even if it’s just for a week.

Don’t put off seeing your GP

Hassle, waiting time, embarrassed about making a fuss or fearing the worst - there are tons of reasons we put off seeing the doctor (and statistics back up the cliche that men are worst for this).

A chat with the doc will help prevent you from falling down the Dr Google rabbit-hole of dread too — whatever the symptoms.

Make ‘me time’ a rule

Stress is the ‘modern plague’, and don’t we know it.

Yes, we’re more privileged than ever before, but sensory overload, long working hours and always being ‘connected’ (thanks smartphones) is leaving us frazzled and on the brink of burn-out.

So banish the guilt, and accept that ‘me time’, ‘down time’ - whatever you want to call it — is a necessity.

Read books, do crosswords, potter around the house with your phone switched off.