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1^st January 2012 and the promises we make to ourselves in the form of New Year Resolutions. But how many of us keep to these well intentioned improvements to our lifestyles? Hoping to help boost that motivation, we list 10 suggestions to enhance your physical health in 2012.

Vitamin D - In the winter with the lack of sunshine we are all at risk from a Vitamin D deficiency, which can result in osteoporosis, depression and some types of cancer. Therefore, when the sun does show its face get out and make the most of it.

Diet - A New Year, A new diet. - Change processed food for more natural alternatives. Start looking at the labels on the packaging prior to putting the items in your shopping basket. Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats and are high in sugars. Not only will a change of diet make you feel and look healthier, you will feel less hungry and therefore it will also help you lose any weight that you may have put on during the festive season. Make a real effort to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day and make sure that beetroot is part of your menu. Beetroot may be eaten or drunk (beetroot juice is now available from most UK supermarkets, and is quite delicious) it is good for your blood pressure, which in turn will lower the possibility of heart disease and stroke.

Sugar - Regulate your sugar intake as it increases your unwanted calories and has no dietary worth. Also be vigilant for hidden sugars which are found in many foods, so read the labels on all food packaging. Reducing your sugar intake will greatly enhance your general health in particular your risk of diabetes (type 2) the incidence of which is increasing yearly.

Exercise - All New Year Resolutions should include this in the list. Stop making excuses – turn off the TV, switch on the radio to a music channel and get moving! Vigorous housework can burn off 400 calories, as can a brisk walk in the fresh air, particularly walking uphill. If you are a beginner to any form of exercise start slowly, e.g. 10 minutes per day increasing to a regular 30 minutes robust exercise daily. Remember you can do shorter sessions throughout the day, as long as the time adds up to the optimum amount of 30 minutes.

The inner you - Begin to believe in yourself, and your own capacity to be resilient, thereby enhancing your functioning ability. Be grateful for your life and for the people in it, and encircle yourself with optimistic people. Have a good giggle on a daily basis, it is worth it. Most importantly learn to believe in yourself.

Sleep - 6 to 10 hours sleep per night is what is recommended, and is essential to health and wellbeing, however, many adults sleep far less which impedes their daily activities. A good night’s sleep enhances your physical health, well being, and is good for your emotional health.

Smoking - If one New Year Resolution is all you are capable of committing yourself to, then give up SMOKING. This alone will have such a positive impact on your health and life expectancy that the effort is definitely worth it. Cigarettes contain 4,000 different chemicals of which 80% are carcinogenic- do we need to say MORE!!

Alcohol - You don’t need to be a binge drinker for alcohol to damage your health. Numerous occasional drinkers habitually drink more than the suggested amount of alcohol every day. Therefore make 2012 the year when you make the concerted effort to keep to the recommended guidelines for a healthier consumption of alcohol which is no more than 3-4 units a day for men and no more than 2-3 units a day for women. Maybe set aside a day every week when you don’t consume any alcohol.

Hydration - Water is one of the foundations of life. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, this will flush out any toxins in our bodies, which if accrued can result in headaches, tension, aches and pains. Water also assists our digestive system to function more effectively, thus avoiding constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other connected diseases. Water does wonders for our skin, helping to alleviate various skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Patience - All the above require patience and perseverance. Change will not occur overnight so patience is imperative if your 2012 resolutions are going to be fully achievable. Remember we live in a culture that demands immediate gratification and when that doesn't happen we give up. You will get results, but only with determination and resolve.