“New year, new me!” Yes, we’ve nearly all said it; I’m guilty of saying it myself year after year. But do we really need to completely rebrand ourselves for the new year and make lists of unrealistic goals that will be overwhelming and hard to stick to? No, we really don’t. Why not try to focus on smaller, healthier habits this year that are more achievable and manageable? Let’s talk about some healthier habits that you might want to try, and the art of habit stacking.
To start, here’s some ideas of healthy habits that you may want to add into your routine to start making those small but noticeable changes to both your physical and mental well-being:
- Add, Don’t Subtract: Focus on adding nutritious foods to your meals rather than restricting yourself. Stay hydrated too; aim for 2 litres of water a day!
- Try a Digital Detox: You don’t have to ditch your favourite apps, but setting screen-free times can enhance sleep quality and boost mental focus.
- Learn Something New: Try a new hobby or activity, like a team sport or club, to grow and build confidence. UOR has plenty of societies to choose from!
- Move your body: Staying active can take many forms, and everyone has their own favourite way to get moving. We’ll dive into more options and ideas for staying active later on.
Now, how do you make these habits stick? That’s where habit stacking comes in. Essentially, habit stacking is about building new habits by linking them to ones you already do. For example, have a glass of water while waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Small tweaks can lead to lasting changes. Start with one or two and let them build into lasting habits!
So, lets delve a bit more into staying active. Hitting the gym is a popular New Year’s resolution but choosing one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick guide to some of our local gyms with all the key info you need:
UOR Sports Park:
- Price: From £26.50/month
- Facilities: Gym, racket sports, studios/classes
- Getting There: On campus – walking distance!
Palmer Park & South Reading Leisure Centre:
- Price: £40/month (Student Membership) with UK-wide club access
- Facilities: Gym, pool, courts, studios/classes, outdoor facilities
- Getting There: Palmer Park is walkable from campus and South Reading is easily accessible by Emerald 5 or Buzz 9 buses
Buzz Gym:
- Price: £21.99/month
- Facilities: Gym, classes, open 24/7
- Getting There: Walkable from London Road campus or via Purple 17 or Lion 4 buses
The Gym Group:
- Price: From £16.99/month
- Facilities: Gym only
- Getting There: Any bus to town (e.g., 21/21a from campus)
There are lots more gyms, but these seem to be the best for students! Most gyms offer free or low-cost inductions to help you get started confidently. Pick one and start your fitness journey today! If the gym isn’t for you, no problem; try staying active with YouTube workouts like yoga or dance, set a daily step goal, start Couch to 5k to build up those running skills, or join a team sport or society.
Start small, stay consistent, and focus on what feels good for you, every step counts toward a healthier, happier you. Now it’s your turn—pick one habit to start today and take the first step toward lasting change!