Body resolutions you can actually keep

What better way to feel happy and less stressed is to start the day with the right attitude can help reduce stress! In addition, thinking positively gives you a stronger immune system – making you less susceptible to major illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases. According to Mayo Clinic, one theory on this is that having a positive outlook makes you cope better when faced with stressful situations, thus reduces the harmful effects of stress. In addition, people who are positive and optimistic tend to live healthier – doing more physical activities, follows a healthy diet, and do not smoke and drink alcohol.

ACT NOW: Think of simple ways to improve your day and you can look forward to (ex. calling a friend, helping someone at school, meeting new people). You can also think of things to be thankful for every day and start your day with gratitude.

We have always been told to drink at least eight glasses of water every day, but do we really do it? Staying hydrated is good for your over-all health as drinking enough water replaces the fluids we lose due to sweat, urine, even breathing. Drinking water aids digestion, absorption and transpiration of nutrients, blood circulation, creation of saliva, as well as maintenance of body temperature. It also helps in weight loss - as sometimes we mistake thirst with hunger (making us eat more, yikes!) Moreover, water helps energise our muscles making us do (and accomplish!) more - including those exercise routines you've been wanting to do. Lastly, your skin looks younger and fresher if you drink more water.

ACT NOW: Get yourself a nice tumbler that you can carry wherever you go. Make sure to refill and finish the bottle every day. Not only it is an eye candy, its cute design also makes you grab and drink even on the go. Plus, it saves you money as you do not need to buy a drink whenever you feel thirsty.

Much has been said about resolutions and healthy eating, but none of the goals stick as most of them – admit it – are really hard to accomplish. Why not start by eating smart and do away with junk food? Snack on colourful fruits and veggies such as apples, oranges, and carrots. Not only are they pretty and satisfying to your sweet tooth, they also help lower blood pressure and lose weight. Add more greens to your meals and your body will thank you for more fibre and vitamins. Eat healthy and on-time and do not skip meals so you do feel hungry throughout the day. Cannot let go of your chips? Choose healthier alternatives such as kettle corn snacks, vegetarian fare or those with natural flavouring.

ACT NOW: Budgeting and planning meals are also ways to help you eat smart. Find easy-to-cook healthy recipes and prepare them at home. Stick to your budget and don't buy anything that is not on your list. This ensures you eat right and within your means.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways to stay healthy is by walking. According to Dr Art Weltman, PhD, director of exercise physiology at the University of Virginia (as shared in an interview with health.com),"fast-paced walking, when combined with healthy eating, is hugely effective for weight loss." You know those every day walks around the campus? They actually have a huge impact on your health as they help lessen the risks of diseases including heart disease and depression.

ACT NOW: Add at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day. Make use of the school's massive area and burn about 150 more calories a day by walking at least 2,000 steps. Walking around the campus is also a good opportunity to discover the nooks and spots for your next, uninterrupted study session.

With a new year, you know summer is just a few months away. But why wait for the sunny season to use SPF? Care for yourself all year round with sunscreen lotions formulated to keep skin away from harmful UV rays that causes skin cancer, while maintaining a youthful skin. Apply protection all over your body with at least SPF 30 and SPF 50 before doing outdoor activities. Don't forget your lips and pucker up with moisturising lip balms with SPF as well.

ACT NOW: Make SPF part of your daily routine by layering it over your favourite lotion. Apply in the morning and re-apply again throughout the day. According to skincancer.org, "sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin." Re-apply the same amount every two hours and ensure that "sunscreen should be applied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal."

Trying to shed some pounds, but no moolah for expensive gym membership? Opt for exercises you can do at home. Allot at least 30 minutes of sweating in the comforts of your living room and do easy routines that do not only aid in weight lose, they also help you get a good night's sleep. Start with a warm-up and stretching for at least six minutes to prevent injuries, then start your preferred routine. You can mix up your exercise with squats, sit-ups, planks, and jumping.

ACT NOW: Go online and look for an easy-to-follow exercise routines on YouTube. Aside from the usual routines, you can also check some channels featuring dance exercise classes and groove to your favourite upbeat tunes while losing some weight.

Partner up with your BFF and do exercises together. Whether it is a brisk walk, jogging or a session in the gym, having someone watch-out and making sure you keep your resolution is an effective way to accomplish them. Gyms are not your thing? Why not sign-up for marathons together? Look for upcoming runs and reach the finish line together. Doing exercises together are good bonding experiences not only to strengthen the body, but also your relationship.

ACT NOW: Want to sign-up for gym classes? Look for discounts tandem or group membership. It costs less and at the same time, it is more fun to go to classes with people you actually enjoy hanging out with. Remember, the more the merrier… and cheaper.