FIND yOur mOTIvATION

Investing in a pedometer or a personal trainer helps to keep you going. Telling everyone your plans, committing to an exercise class with a friend or joining a running club all have the benefit of “group pressure”.

TaCkle Bad haBiTs smokers are four times more likely to quit if they do it with help – free with the NHs. When drinking, try having a couple of dry days a week, and start alternating alcohol with soft drinks. Don’t buy alcohol with your weekly shop either.

Give your Brain a workouT Mental exercise is for the brain what physical exercise is for the body. When you learn something new and difficult, you grow new neural connections and strengthen weak ones. set small mental challenges – wean off the calculator or memorise a poem – or launch big ones such as learning a language.

don’T Miss healTh CheCks

When you’re invited, take it up, and if you haven’t had one for a few years, contact your GP to see if you’re eligible. Know as much as possible about your family history – and if it suggests inherited risk of cancers or heart disease, enquire about screening, blood pressure and cholesterol tests.