While the new year is a great time to reflect, reset and set new goals, making resolutions can also be stressful, especially when you live with diabetes. So, this year, it might be worth trying a different approach to kick start your goals for a healthy new year.

Why not start with what will help you feel good about yourself and enjoy life more. When you put it into practice, the health benefits will follow.

Here are five tips to help you make a positive start to your year.

Sign up for a new activity

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t? Maybe it’s taking a dance class or joining a walking club. Trying something new can be fun, and changing your routine can give you a real boost. You’ll not only feel good about challenging yourself, the health benefits that will follow will be great for your body and mind. Check out our factsheet on physical activity for some new ideas or sign up for our group exercise program Beat It.

Try meditation and mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to help diffuse stress. When you meditate, you focus on a sound, object, your breathing or movement. This increases your awareness of the present moment, which reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Being mindful during meditation is to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. There are plenty of resources for learning how to meditate or be more mindful, from books and classes to apps that guide you through the process and help you calm your active mind.

Find out more about how mindfulness and meditation can help lift your mood.

Make a new habit

Consider what change you could make in your life that you’d feel good about. Maybe it’s getting to bed a half hour earlier, watching less TV or walking around the block each day. Once you’ve decided on your new habit put a reminder on your calendar and try to stick to it.

Try a new eating pattern

Instead of berating yourself for what you’ve been doing wrong, consider changing your eating pattern. It could be as simple as adding one more serving of fruit and vegetables to your daily meals.

If you are thinking of changing your eating patterns and habits talk to your diabetes care team to make sure the changes will work for you and meet your personal nutritional needs. Some fads can be unhealthy, especially for people with diabetes, such as cleanses and detoxes, so steer clear of those.

Check out our helpful hints and factsheets about healthy eating with diabetes.

Re-evaluate your medication

Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss all the medications and supplements you’re taking. Maybe some of the doses need readjustment. Perhaps you no longer need some of them, or there is a new medication you that might work better for you.

A new year is an opportunity to revitalize your life. So take the time to think about what you might like to do differently and talk to your diabetes healthcare team – they can help you make the choices that are right for you.