MANY of us try to hit reset on our health habits in January.
It generally takes between 21 and 28 days to create a new routine.
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The first few weeks could be tough but that gruelling commitment could be life-changing.
One of the best ways to stick to it is to sign up to a challenge, and there are plenty to get involved with this year.
Even though we are a week into January you can still sign up for them – you just need to commit for a month.
Make your move
RUN Every Day January – or RED January – was launched a few years ago as a get-fit challenge to support mental wellbeing, but has turned into getting active daily.
So now it can be a run, swim, cycle or anything else you fancy.
Run Every Day January – or RED January – was launched a few years ago as a get-fit challenge to support mental health charities
You don’t need to do the same thing every day, you just need to be active.
Those who sign up raise funds for RED January’s charity partner, Sport In Mind.
University of Oxford research has shown that over half of “REDers” experience a significant improvement in happiness and decrease in anxiety during RED January.
I’ve signed up this year and, while I couldn’t be bothered to run in the rain this morning, I definitely feel better for it.
join.redjanuary.com
Drink more water
DRINKING plenty of water can help reduce the effects of ageing and help us live longer, a new study has found.
So, if you don’t drink enough, now is the time to change.
The charity WaterAid wants people to ditch all other drinks and drink just water
The charity WaterAid wants people to ditch booze, tea, coffee and all other drinks and glug just water.
It costs nothing to sign up but if you get sponsored you can help some of the one in ten people worldwide who don’t have access to clean water.
A quarter of all healthcare facilities around the world have no basic water facilities and WaterAid wants medics to be able to wash their hands between patients and support communities in their fight for clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
By drinking water, you give water.
Ditching your morning coffee and Friday night wine may be tricky but drinking more water is great for health.
See wateraid.org/uk/get-involved/events/just-water.
Stretch More
CANCER Research UK has launched the Yoga Challenge.
All you have to do is 30 minutes a day for 31 days.
Although people have by now been urged to sign up, you can still get on board.
You can do it in a class or at home.
They want yogis to share what they are doing, on their Facebook challenge page, and collect any sponsorship to Cancer Research UK through its online Giving Page.
In return you get a free T-shirt, online Giving Page and digital fundraising pack.
Yoga is a great way to manage anxiety.
For info, see cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/yoga-challenge.