Five resolutions your heart will love

Do you make the same health resolutions every year only for them to gently fade into obscurity soon after the last mince pie?

If so, it’s no surprise. Countless studies show that most New Year’s resolutions don’t see out January. The truth is, many are doomed from the outset because they’re too general, unrealistic (of course you’re not actually going to give up chocolate for good!) or simply not well thought out.

So how do you make them work? Research suggests that your best chance of sticking to a resolution is to break it down into small, specific, achievable steps, as we'll explain on the following pages:

1. Quit smoking

2. Be a savvy drinker

3. Get active

4. Follow a heart-friendly diet

Watch our video with tips from our experts to make your resolutions more effective.

• Get our tips on how to set goals that work.
• Gained a few extra pounds over Christmas? Try our 12 ways to get your diet back on track.