10 TravelSmart Tips for Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

| Added: January, 2012

For many, the ringing in of a new year comes the bringing in of new year's resolutions. It's a chance to start a crisp new chapter - to adopt good habits and toss out old ones.

Two of the most common new year's resolutions include losing weight and saving money. It sounds simple, and yet despite 52% of people feeling confident in succeeding with their resolutions, only about 12% of us actually make it.

Why not use some TravelSmart strategies to help you stick to your resolution? By committing yourself to behavior change, as opposed to just the end result, you have a better chance of reaching your goal.

Here are some tips to help you lose weight and save money this year:

1. Instead of driving to the supermarket to pick up a few items, walk or ride your bike and carry the items in a backpack. Knowing that you'll have to be carrying the items home will make impulse buys less attractive – and you'll be more likely to stick to the essentials.
2. If your commute is less than 5km and within Metro Vancouver, chances are cycling is faster than driving. Why not save money, get in shape and get to work faster?
3. Call up a friend and suggest meeting up to walk or cycle to a destination together.
4. Dress the part: nothing will make you hate walking or cycling than if you are cold and uncomfortable. Wear the right shoes, wear loose comfortable layers that you can adjust once you start to warm up.
5. Studies show that children who engage in physical activity do better in school. Start your day off on the right foot by walking or cycling with your children to school.
6. Explore the greenways near you, whether it's the Central Valley Greenway, or greenways across Vancouver.
7. Take bike skills courses from Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition.
8. Explore your neighbourhood! Check out our Neighbourhood Map, enter your home address and see what is available within a 15, 20 or 30 minute walk from your house. You might be surprised to see what is available right on your door step.
9. Get a pedometer that tells you how many calories you're burning - feedback a pedometer gives you motivates you to walk even more.
10. Take transit! It's cheaper than driving and paying to park. Considering every transit trip starts and ends with walking, it's like killing two resolutions with one trip.

Happy New Year! What tips or strategies have you used to help you keep your resolutions? Share 'em below!