While many scoff at the notion of a nation making new year’s resolutions, 80% of which fail by February, we at IDEAL think there’s no harm in making pledges, whatever the reason, to bring about positivity in your life. And if it takes a new digit on the calendar to bring that about, then that’s just fine. Matters of the body usually take precedent in resolution priorities, but it’s equally important to take action to nurture the mind. So, here are 5 IDEAL changes to make in 2018 to boost your mind and your mood.
MAKE MORE TIME FOR FAMILY
Modern life is relentless, fast paced and full of obligation. Family will always remain that one, stable consistent, so this year, take time out to call home and visit regularly, too. This might sound like the simplest thing to do, but if you cast your mind back to 2017, you’re probably only able to pick out a handful of memorable moments that you’ve spent with your loved ones. The hours you racked up longing for likes from strangers on Instagram, though, are probably in the triple digits. It’s time to redress that balance.
The importance of family shouldn’t be underestimated. Studies show that maintaining a good family life can fend off medical problems later down the line. According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, single people have a higher risk of developing dementia, and New York University found that married people suffer less from cardiovascular disease than singletons. The Journals of Vacation Marketing also found that people with plenty of holidays on the horizon and trips to look forward to felt happier with their lives in general and experienced less negative emotions. So, pepper 2018 with a handful of family holidays and always have a future date in the calendar dedicated to time with loved ones.
TAKE A LONG LOOK AT YOUR CAREER
The parameters of professional life are constantly shifting and asking us to shift our expectations in tandem. It can feel hard to keep up. Make 2018 the year to step back and re-evaluate your job — whether this means switching careers or just making positive changes to the way you conduct your work life. Ask yourself the daunting, searching questions you may have been avoiding; where do I see myself in 5 years, how will I get there, is this the field of work I want to be in forever?
If you do want to change jobs, careers or simply get a promotion, consider acquiring some extra skills and qualifications to make you a more attractive prospect. Changes needn’t be drastic and sudden; enacting small shifts in your work routine and conduct could lead to a much higher job satisfaction. Even something as simple as re-decorating your office or desk, arranging a night out with your team or organising Friday afternoon quizzes can lift the atmosphere and make work a little easier to endure.
DINE DIVERSELY
We’d all like to eat a little healthier, but rather than putting yourself on a grueling and strict diet, make healthy eating more tolerable by incorporating the cuisines of the world into your breakfast, lunch and dinner. A report by Diabetes UK discovered that around 66% of adults ate three or fewer portions of fruit and vegetables per day, with almost 50% not eating a piece of fruit at least three days in a week. By embracing food from different corners of the globe, you’ll bring variety, deliciousness and most importantly, diversity of ingredients. In discovering new cuisines, you’ll increase the number of often neglected fruits, vegetables and pulses in your diet. This will broaden the mind without broadening your waistline. Magnificent!
CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH A NEW SPORT
It wouldn’t be New Year without a burning desire to lose weight and get fit. But instead of dragging yourself to the gym or pounding the pavement, why not get active with a more off-centre exercise, like skiing or snowboarding? This could be good for the brain as well as body, as it’s sociable, challenging and exciting; far preferable to the daily toil of the gym, we think. It’s great for your physique, too.
The average adult can burn between 250 and 630 calories an hour while skiing or snowboarding, and the exercise tests your balance and works all your major muscle groups to help you tone up quickly. Adrenaline-pumping sports like this one also encourage your body to release endorphins — which create a feeling of happiness and lower stress — while a study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, showed that regular exercise did much to alleviate low mood. Snow sports are fast, fun and intense, but the skills take time to master. However, there are indoor slopes, snowboarding lessons and skiing lessons available to help you. 
BE KINDER
Countless studies have shown that being kind, polite and thoughtful serves not only to raise the mood of the recipient, but also boosts our own sense of well being. Say please and thank you often, pay compliments, remind people you love them and smile at strangers. It only takes a moment, but the positive vibes last for much longer.