FITNESS

Walking
Doctors and health experts agree that walking is safe enough for everyone to do. It’s an effective way to stave off disease, maintain weight and control pain from chronic disease. It costs nothing and can be done anytime, just remember to take the stairs and not the lift to Coles and park in the parking space furthest away from the entrance!

Swimming
This is the best low impact exercise there is! Go to Mirage Country Club, QT or Mossman Caravan Park lap pool and build up your stamina. A good idea is to have some lessons so that you can be taught the best way to swim to make this an enjoyable experience.
Contact Swimfit in Port Douglas for adult swimming lessons or for a motivation boost you can attend their regular Swimfit Group Sessions that combine swimming and exercises. Visit website

Yoga
Yoga is a great way to maintain flexibility in your body and helps at all ages for mental and physical well-being. Check out Port Douglas Yoga, Deep Yoga Studio or Yoga on the Beach (winter months only) and start with a class that matches your ability. There are different types of yoga, so find out which one would suit you best.

Pilates
Is similar to yoga but concentrates on developing your core strength, which is important to spinal strength and the body muscles radiating from it. Pilates is so safe that it is used to rehabilitate injuries. Contact the Port Douglas Yoga Studio and Port Pilates Plus.

Gym
Just turning up to a gym and paying for membership is not your answer for a healthier lifestyle. The gym has to be part of your complete makeover healthier lifestyle package. If you wish to include the gym in your new ‘you’ regime then initially start with a consultation with a personal trainer. They can work through a diet and exercise schedule with you. Ideally, a personal training session at least weekly to keep you on track is the best way to move forward to ensure your goals are met.

Try a Team Sport
In Port Douglas there are several teams you can join for example netball, football, surf life saving or if you are a little lighter footed you can join the Bodies in Motion’s ballet and hip hop classes in Mossman – open to people of all ages.

LIFE CHANGES

Become a business owner
Some people dream about being their own boss, make 2018 your year! You can build you own business or buy an existing one. For example BellissiMo on Grant Street, an established and popular Port Douglas retail outlet and a treasure trove of beautiful things. 

If you are thinking about a seachange and contemplating operating a thriving retail business, selling objects of beauty, or a local who can see the opportunity presented, and have the desire to be your own boss, contact Cote Nord Property Port Douglas for more information.

Cook at home more frequently
You’ll end up getting healthier as you will be cutting out the highly processed foods. Not only will the food taste better but it will be better for you!

Call your family more often
Chances are they’d love to hear from you and you can benefit from it, too. Research shows calling loved ones like your mom can ease stress.

Cut back on material spending
The route to all happiness is not money. Buying the latest fad, is just that.. a ‘fad’. Better to save your hard-earned cash for an experience – or enabling an experience instead. Camping equipment, better camera, a holiday, a boat to fish on or snorkel off of.

Learn a language
Open up a whole new world to you.. literally!

Saying “hola” or “bonjour” to another person and communicating in another language is a wonderful experience. Research even supports the theory that it will actually boost your brain functions. With online courses available you can turn off the TV or Netflix once a night and use this time to learn another language.

Read more books
Research shows readying can boost empathy and emotional intelligence. What greater entertainment than reading beautiful words and having your own personal Netflix in your head.

For books in Port Douglas check out Whileaway and the second hand book shop on Grant Street. The Nick Nak shed also sell books to help with their charitable work.

Cut back on alcohol
I know this is hard, but 2018 is the year to be a bit more mindful. Keep to your weekly limits and remember to give your body and liver at least one or two days off a week to recuperate!

Go outside more often
When’s the last time you went for a walk along Four Mile Beach, saw the sunrise or the sunset. Not only will it improve your mood but you get the added perks of exercise. Win-win.

Make your bed every day
Making this the first act of completion every morning feels like you have completed something even before you have left the bedroom. No act of organization is too small. And it may make you happier.

Love yourself and be kinder to others
Because you’re all you’ve got ? no matter what. Patience and trying to understand people that might be of a different outlook or age also goes a long way in making the world a happier place. We all live in paradise…. let’s make it that.

Do you have any other tips on how to make 2018 your year? Let us know in the comments below!

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