By Alex Discolo

As it’s the beginning of the New Year, many teens have made New Year’s resolutions. Every year, adults and teens alike, pledge to be healthier, lose weight, or become more physically fit. (This is even evident by how many new faces are in the gym these days). With new resolutions often comes new motivation. If you are inspired to be the best version of yourself this year, you’re not alone!

With so many people resolute to become healthier this year it is often easy to find new support! It is always encouraging to have a companion for support. So, this year don’t only make a resolution to become healthier, but be resolute to find a person you can rely on to help you reach your goals. The best person to fill this role is someone with a common goal.

A friend can be a motivator. You can rely on one another to get you up, out and moving together. The two of you can go to the gym, go for a jog, or a walk, or even play a game or tennis or squash together. Many people dread the thought of exercising but with a friend it makes it more exciting. Instead of meeting your friend for a cup of coffee or lunch, go on a walk together. You’ll still get the social time with one another but you’ll be burning calories instead of gaining them! Another way a friend is your motivator is by their constant encouragement. Everyone has those days where they would opt to pass on their exercise, but if your friend is expecting you to be there with them, it is much more difficult to let a skip day fly.

A friend or “health buddy” can also be a positive influence an your diet.

As a support system for each other, you can inspire each other with better food choices, healthy recipes, and watch the types of food each other buy. With recipes, it’s great to have someone to share them with. This way you can bounce ideas off one another. Not only that, but you can help each other to change your old, unhealthy favorites into new meals you are both proud to eat. One of the best ways for you to support each other with eating habits is to go grocery shopping together. For example, if you’re in the grocery store and you plan on only buying healthy food, but you lose your focus as you start to walk down the cookie aisle, with a buddy there, they can help you stick to your original grocery plan.

Today I challenge you to add to your resolutions by promising yourself to find a good support system for yourself, and also be supportive to someone else.