Each New Year comes with a resolution of desired self–improvements. But just as you make the list, you know that it’ll be difficult to stay encouraged and follow through the year. Here we’ve put together a few effective baby steps to help you to kick out bad habits, embrace good ones, and finally reach your 2023 self-help goals easily.

Speed Up Weight Loss by Joining a Group

Turning any individual endeavor into a group activity makes it less tedious and more fun. So, this year, join a gym or an online or in-person weight-loss support group to melt away those extra pounds. According to a study by Baylor College of Medicine, community-based weight loss programs are more effective than trying to shed pounds all alone. Connecting with others aiming the same will boost your motivation and provide you with more support, making it easier to reach your happy weight in 2023.

Smile More

Every year comes with its own problems and challenges. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t resolve to live fuller and cheerier in 2023. Keep smiling more in your mundane life, even if you have to fake it! As per a Stanford University Study, smiling broadly can boost your inner joy anytime, anywhere, even when you’re just faking it rather than feeling it. Stretch the sides of your mouth toward the ears. This muscle movement tells your brain that you're already happy and then signals it to spur positive emotions to match.

Cuddle Your Pet to Eliminate Stress

Take the help of your furry friend whenever your stress levels start to rise. Stroking animals not only eases anxiety but can have long-term benefits even after you've stopped. Researchers have shown that cuddling an animal lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while increasing oxytocin, the same feel-good hormone that bonds mothers to babies. So, if you don't have a pet, consider adopting one in 2023. Or simply cuddle with a shelter cat or stoke a friend's pup.

Check a Step Counter and Walk More

You don't have to do a lot to achieve your fitness goal in 2023. Just walking more regularly will do the job, as it strengthens your bones, heart, brain, lungs, and immune system. This year, clock more steps with a wearable fitness tracking device like a smartwatch or a pedometer. A University of South Australia study found that people using any wearable fitness tracker walk 1,800 more steps on average per day compared to others. An activity tracker will motivate you more by showing your daily progress in real-time.