Health: Real New Year's resolutions

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Focus on a few achievable personal goals, not a pie-in-the-sky wish list

Another year is upon us, leaving plenty of time to reflect on what went well (and not so well) in the past 12 months. Before you start outlining your self-improvement plan for next year, consider this: only 8 per cent of people who make new year's resolutions actually stick to them. Control the urge to recycle annual resolutions that you know you'll never keep.

Instead, identify new opportunities to keep your body fresh and your mind focused. Here are four simple steps to a happier, healthier 2015.

Schedule a few 'mental health days
'We spend a lot of time at the office. And if you're clocking more than 10 hours a day, it's likely too much. Scientists often link overtime to everything from depression to cardiovascular issues. It's no secret that we all count down the days until that next holiday vacation or summer road trip.

But why wait?

Don't put off precious time away from the daily grind. Instead, avoid burnout by planning a few long weekends every year that help you recharge and refocus. Whether you're sleeping in and catching up on your DVR or connecting with old college roommates, a little R&R will do wonders for your morale.

Improve your indoor air quality
Nine in 10 homeowners realise poor indoor air quality can contribute to health issues, yet only one-quarter are worried about the air quality in their homes, according to a national survey from Broan-NuTone and Kelton. Most homeowners spend 90 per cent of their time indoors, so it's important to identify telltale signs of unhealthy air before they trigger health issues. If you're noticing foggy bathroom mirrors after showering or lingering food aromas after preparing meals, chances are your home isn't properly ventilated. Protect your home and your family by updating your range hood or installing a new bathroom fan.

Clean out your closets
If you're like most, you're probably hanging on to one too many items that you've outgrown or no longer use. Free up hangers and closet space by taking inventory of any items you haven't worn in several months. Holding on to jeans in the hopes you'll fit into them? Donate them to someone who can wear them now and treat yourself to a new pair. Stockpiling old bridesmaid dresses? Have them altered into cocktail dresses. Hoarding fashion jewelry and accessories that are no longer in style? Create a dress-up box for nieces, young cousins or students. De-cluttering creates feelings of happiness and accomplishment.

Try something new
If "learn to cook" and "lose 10 kilos" have been on your to-do list for years, it's probably time to mix things up a bit. Be more specific when outlining goals. For example, instead of focusing on weight loss, why not focus on new classes to try out?

From cardio kickboxing to spin class to Zumba and yoga, there are endless opportunities to get your heart rate (and your spirits) up. Check out your local gym and pledge to try something new every quarter until something sticks.

As for cooking, turn it into a date night with your spouse by enrolling in a cooking class together. Or, buy a cookbook and take turns selecting new meals to prepare.

Keep in mind that you won't do yourself any favours by shrugging off goals or not planning in advance.

Set up reminders and calendar invites to help keep you on track.

Better yet, outline at least one shared resolution and invite friends or family members to join in.