Happy New Year! Maybe you made some resolutions this year. Hey, it’s only January – you still have plenty of time to fulfill them. Here are some ways to make your resolutions more achievable in 2016.
If your resolution is to lose weight
Don’t: go on a crash diet
As emotionally, if not physically, satisfying as it might be to suddenly switch to eating only cauliflower and tiny scraps of grass-fed beef, radically changing your diet is not a recipe for long-term success. For one, your metabolism slows down – meaning that you won’t be losing those post-holiday pounds.
Do: Make healthy, acceptable dietary changes.
Mango slices instead of a brownie for dessert? Switching from pork to turkey bacon? Opting for the bowl instead of the burrito at Chipotle? Find mini-hacks that work for you and get started.
If your resolution is to reduce stress
Don’t: Quit your job and move to Fiji.
If you’re frustrated with your house, your job, your family, your dog – leaving it all behind and finding the most far-flung beach possible might seem like a good call. But after the first few blissful weeks, you’ll find that you have a new set of issues.
Do: Incorporate stress reduction into your everyday life with a deep tissue massage!
Find ways to give yourself a break. A deep tissue massage is one of the best stress reduction techniques. Meditation, like massage, is also an accessible and on-demand way to bring some peacefulness into your life. And if you’re not allergic, a dog or a cat, like massage, can reduce stress and blood pressure.
If your resolution is to save money
Don’t: Set a titanic goal.
Win Powerball! Save $100,000 (on a $50,000 salary). While it’s a laudable goal to save money, setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration – even overspending.
Do: Find ways to save money across the board
If you buy your lunch every day, considering making it at home and bringing it in a few times a week (in a pinch, frozen meals from Trader Joe’s work too). If you get regular massages, consider Zeel’s massage membership, which can save you up to 20% off your Zeel Massage. If you’re a big Uber fan, consider walking or taking the bus once in awhile.
Whether you decide to start a new diet, begin saving for your next tropical getaway, or indulge in a stress reducing deep tissue massage, we hope you achieve your goals for 2016! Happy New Year from Zeel.

Marcy is the SVP of People and Communications at Zeel. In addition to overseeing the humans of Zeel, Marcy has written about workplace topics for more than 20 years both at Zeel and as VP of Content for Vault.com, a career information web site and publisher.