​The lead up to the festive season can leave us feeling drained, so the new year is a great time to refresh and prepare for a positive start to 2020.

The following five tips can help create a healthier lifestyle once all the festivities are over, and can also be a great base for achieving all your other goals and resolutions for the year.

1.     Make a meal plan

It is much easier to eat well if you have all the ingredients at hand. Make a meal plan for the week (do it as a family so everyone is involved), and write a shopping list. Try to do one big shop or shop online to save you time during the week, and to solve the "what do we eat tonight?" decision each day.

2.     Commit to becoming more physically fit

You don't have to be an athlete to move more. Maybe you will set a goal of running 5 kilometres this year, or perhaps you will plan to walk around the nearby park twice a week. What is most important is finding a routine that works for you – and then sticking to it! 

3.     Make quality sleep a priority

It is hard to feel your best when you are exhausted. Sleep is fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing, reducing risk factors for heart attack, strokes, and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

4.     Foster social connections

Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends or the community are happier, have fewer health problems and live longer. Best of all connecting with others doesn't require money, or a special set of skills.  

5.     Place a priority on maintaining your health

We are all busy, and it is easy to put off a medical appointment or health screen. But this year, why not pause to schedule in your visits to your health professional. After all, we cannot enjoy life if we don't have good health.

Your LGIS WorkCare Services team can assist your local government in providing a range of health and wellbeing services.