Resolutions to get in shape, exercise more, and eat healthier foods are popular each January. Optimism reigns when making resolutions, but for many, the difficulty lies in keeping them. Individuals looking to get healthier in the year ahead can try several strategies to stay the course.

Individuals are encouraged to plan to wake up earlier. Waking up a half hour earlier each day can have a substantial impact. This small amount of extra time can be devoted to meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even some yoga stretches.

Another goal is to prioritize moving around more frequently. Many people with office jobs spend hours sitting in front of computers. A sedentary lifestyle can have an adverse effect on overall health. Individuals can set a timer or use a reminder on a fitness tracker to prompt them to get up and move around for a little bit every hour.

To eat healthier, consuming more vegetables is a good idea. Vague resolutions like "I will eat better" are difficult to maintain because there is no specific goal to achieve. Rather, a resolution like eating a fruit or vegetable at every meal is a measurable goal. Vegetables can be hidden in favorite foods, such as desserts. Swapping pasta noodles for spiralized zucchini is another option.

Individuals are encouraged to evaluate their posture, as posture tends to decline with age, according to AARP. This change can cause the spine to lose flexibility. Certain stretches may help people to improve their posture and their long-term health.

When walking, people should add "bursts" to their walk. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic tout the benefits of interval training. While high-impact workouts may not be appropriate for everyone, adding little speed bursts to a daily walk can provide significant health benefits. Aim for 30 to 60 seconds of rapid walking at regular intervals to shake up the workout.

Drinking more water can have health benefits. Increasing water intake can help one feel fuller, thus reducing the likelihood that he or she will overeat. Individuals should gradually increase their water intake by adding a few ounces each day until drinking water becomes a habit.

Another strategy is to exercise outside. To switch up their normal routine, individuals can make use of the great outdoors to exercise. Instead of 3 miles on the treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym, they may opt for the same distance on a local hiking trail.

Healthy resolutions are easier to keep when individuals have specific and achievable goals.