Starting the New Year off right is something most of us want to do, but it can seem like an overwhelming task to get on track and stay there. The good news is, it’s really not that hard. Your happiest and healthiest year yet is yours for the taking, and all you have to do is follow these ten easy tips.

1. think about you
As parents, we oft en put ourselves on the back burner; but taking good care of yourself isn’t just good for you. Happy parents mean happy families, and moms who take time out to do things for themselves generally have happier children. So put yourself back at the top of the list this year!

2. learn to say no
Over-scheduled parents are exhausted, and often, so are their kids. Learning to say no when you really can’t fit that extra volunteer hour or those extra cupcakes for the bake sale into your schedule will help take the pressure off . Nobody can do everything!

3. make better eating a top priority
Toss those left over holiday treats and put vegetables back on the menu. Simple diet changes can make a big difference in your overall health as well as how you feel.

4. commit to a little more sleep
Most of us simply aren’t getting enough sleep, which leads to more than just fatigue. It can affect health, weight gain and mental sharpness too. So go to bed half an hour earlier. You might miss a re-run or two – what have you really lost?

5. get organized
Clutter, lack of planning, and the inability to fi nd your keys can put your day into a tailspin. Make small changes that are big on organization: plan your meals a week ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling for dinner ideas, go through the mail right away and toss the junk, get a key rack and use it. It’s that simple.

6. make exercise fun
Sticking to an exercise plan isn’t easy because let’s face it, most exercise is not much fun. So instead of sentencing yourself to another year on the treadmill, find an exercise class that will keep you motivated while having a good time. Dance classes, for example, are great exercise and also a great time.

7. decide to unplug
Families today spend so much time connected to media sources, be it the internet, the smart phone or the television that conversation has gone out the window. Pick a time once a week when everyone in the house turns everything off and spends some time together. And make it a rule that the television is off during meals, and no cell phones or other electronics come to the table.

8. make your health a priority
Your kids have probably never missed a check-up or a dental cleaning, but when is the last time you got your teeth cleaned or had a physical? Parents are quick to forget their own health when they put their kids fi rst, but remember that your kids need healthy parents too! Make appointments now, and make sure you go.

9. strike something off your bucket list.
We all have a long list of things we really want to do in our lifetime. Pick one for this year and make it happen. Perhaps you can’t aff ord that trip to Paris this year; choose one that’s a little more aff ordable. Go skydiving. Take an art class. Train for a marathon. You don’t have to do the whole list at once, but commit to doing at least one thing.

10. live in the moment
Life is often all about what’s next; preparing for tomorrow, next week, next year. It’s easy to let today slip away. Remind yourself to slow down and enjoy what’s happening right now. The laundry can wait, but enjoying your family can’t; they’re going to grow up before you know it.

These ten simple tips will help you make certain that this year you find the joy in life and leave some of the stress. They will also help you take small steps towards better health and a happier you.So make this year your year for lasting change!

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JOHN CASSIDY is the founder of TopKick Martial Arts which is a family martial arts and fitness center with locations in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Find out more about TopKick at www. topkickonline.com. He resides in Fairfax with his wife and three children. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .