The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to start over in any area of life we choose. Though it’s important to be realistic about our expectations, it’s common- and even healthy- to set ambitious resolutions for ourselves to follow. With a little bit of focus and intentional changes to our daily habits, we can really see our lives start to change in positive ways.

Here are some simple resolutions (and ways to achieve them) that you can practice with your family in order to live richer, healthier lives.

Staying Healthy

How you treat your body plays a huge part in how you feel, and if you don’t give it the care and attention it deserves you may end up feeling sluggish, fatigued and even sick. It’s not only important to prioritize your health for your own sake, but also for the sake of your children who will follow your example. Fortunately, there are two simple ways to maintain you and your family’s health: eating right and getting fit.

A great way to help improve your current habits is to gradually ease into a healthier lifestyle. Instead of forcing yourself or your family to eat bland foods for the sake of health, make small alterations like cutting down on the amount of sugary beverages, highly processed or fried foods, and eventually substituting them for naturally sweetened drinks and organic snacks. Going to the gym isn’t the only way to stay fit. Involve the whole family in outings to walk around the park or play a casual game of anything that requires you to be active, like tag or dancing.

Feeling Relaxed

With life’s demands, enjoying some much deserved rest and relaxation may often seem unrealistic- especially for families with young children. Though this may seem like a luxury you can’t afford, it’s something that can greatly affect your health and, therefore, should be prioritized this year.

Getting a sufficient amount of restful sleep is a great way to feel better in the mornings and throughout the day. With small efforts like staying away from things that hinder sleep like caffeine and alcohol, and making time for serene activities like meditation or reading, you can end up performing better at work and avoiding an increased risk for serious health conditions. Likewise, sufficient sleep keeps children in a better mood, and allows their developing brains to continue to flourish.

Getting Organized

A little bit of time and planning can make all the difference in how smoothly your day runs. In our past article about adjusting to daylight savings time, we discuss things like meal-planning the kid’s lunches and family dinners. These are simple ways to reduce any morning chaos that may occur. Additionally, there are other helpful strategies to help families stay on track.

Using family calendars or digital reminder apps are useful tools that can help families keep up with each other’s activities through birthday parties, practices, or work shifts. Posting this shared calendar on the refrigerator, or making sure everyone in the family downloads the same app, ensures everyone stays on the same page.

Hopefully, some of these ideas help you and your family feel more confident in your ability to transform your lives into something healthier and, ultimately, happier.