As  January draws to a close, New Year’s resolutions begin to get left in the dust. The first of these resolutions to be crossed off the list is shedding the holiday pounds. This is probably one of the harder resolutions to keep especially in the winter months. I know with school, extracurricular activities, and a part-time job it is often hard to find time or energy to work out.

However, when I find the time and I finally get that workout in, I feel so much better. Working out is proven to boost your mood by releasing endorphins. It also helps the brain to focus on tasks. If the thought of a high heart rate, sweat and achy muscles is what’s keeping you from strapping on those jogging shoes, just think of how amazing you will feel afterwards.

Maybe you are just having trouble getting started. Not to worry, I will provide you with some excellent tips on getting started. First, decide what your ultimate goal is. By setting goals for yourself you will have a little motivator to keep you going.

Once you have decided on your goals, set a time frame in which to accomplish them. Make it reasonable, giving yourself too much or too little time could make you feel pressured and you could lose sight of what’s truly important: accomplishing your goal.

Next, get started! Start out small. If you are working to run a 5K, but have never run before, start by running one mile, with walking in between. Then, slowly work towards not walking at all. Eventually you will be able to run multiple miles without stopping.

The important thing to remember is that you will have days where you do not want to do anything and you will just have to push past those times.

A great way to have more energy is to eat healthier and drink a lot of water. By making healthier choices such as an apple rather than a bag of chips, you will notice your energy levels rising. Drinking water rather than a soda is also much better. First of all, with all of the workouts you will be doing it’s important to stay hydrated. Sodas are not a good choice because they dehydrate your body.

By following these tips, you will begin to feel better in no time. It’s hard work, but well worth it.