Everyone just rang in the New Year and now it is time to make some productive changes in our lives. Instead of succumbing to the fad diets and the newest hot workout regimen, make some healthy lifestyle changes that you will be able to live by for the rest of the year. Make some small changes in your lives that will benefit you in the long term.

If you are trying to improve your diet, making small changes will help you in the long run. Instead of eating candy, if you are craving something sweet have either a square of dark chocolate or some fruit. It is important to start cutting out artificial sugars so taking it day by day and staying away from any candies, baked goods, and sweets that are not healthy for you. After about three days the sugar cravings will start to go away and it will get easier to stay away from those unhealthy foods. Once you concur sugar it will be a lot easier to start eating more fruit and vegetables to satisfy your hunger. If you are someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth and has an appetite for chips and bread and pasta, try modifying your diet so instead of eating white bread, replace it with whole wheat bread, whole wheat tortillas, or bread-thins. This way you can still have sandwiches without being guilty of eating an entire roll or baguette.

If you are someone who wants to kick-start your relationship with the gym start by going a few times a week and establishing a schedule that you will be able to stick to. Whether you have school or work, plan a time when you will go consistently. If it helps find a friend that has similar goals so you guys can go together and keep each other accountable for going to the gym. Whatever you are trying to focus on, weight-lifting, running, swimming, etc. the longer you keep up with it the better you will get and the harder it will be for you to stop because it will a part of your routine. Also do not be afraid to do new things. Many places offer free classes or free month-long trials for kickboxing, Cross-Fit, yoga studios, or even dance studios. This will provide you with new and exciting workouts that you will be able to do throughout the year.

Maybe you are someone who wants to focus more on your studies and become motivated again when it comes to going to class. The first thing that you can do it never skip a class, because even if you skip class once it will start to become a habit as the semester carries on. This way you will be able to get participation points and get to know the professor and they start to recognize you as a dedicated student who goes to every class. Once you accomplish this all the homework assignments and tests will become slightly easier because you have been to every class and will be able to recognize the material at the least.

2018 has the potential to be the best year of your life. You will get whatever you put into this year and with hard work and dedication everyone can have a productive and healthy 2018!