You've crafted a list of exciting New Year's resolutions and are committed to sticking to them this year. But how can you actually commit to these goals? In the second part of our two-part series, we will give you some effective strategies to help you follow through on every resolution.

Tips for Sticking with Your New Year's Resolutions
You want to be a healthier version of yourself, but you need a plan to make this happen. These tricks will help you make a commitment to your goals and end the year feeling accomplished.

• Write down your goals
  Holding something in your mind is generally less effective than seeing it right in front of you. By writing down your resolutions, they become tangible goals rather than abstract suggestions. Later on you can reference them whenever you need a boost.
• Work with a friend
  Build a resolution team to hold yourself accountable to your resolutions. You and your friends can commit to a healthy lifestyle together, checking in on each other and even starting new activities together.
• Break up your goals
  If a certain goal seems too large to accomplish, break it up into smaller pieces. Once you accomplish one smaller goal, you can move on to the next.
• Find incentives
  Some health insurance policies offer discounts for joining a gym and participating in other health programs. Even if you are already motivated, you can find some extra motivation from a financial incentive.
• Forgive yourself for setbacks
  Remember that with any goal, there are going to be setbacks. You may have bad days or get behind on your resolutions, but that does not mean you have to stop. Remember that tomorrow is a new day, and you can begin again whenever you need to.

New Year's resolutions are a great way to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Paired with quality health insurance policies, a doctor you trust, and other healthy habits, these goals can help you reach a more vibrant lifestyle.

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The new year may be here, but it is never too late to start a New Year’s resolution. Remember that every resolution does not have to be a lofty achievement. The key is to select small, achievable goals to help you focus on your overall well-being and self-confidence.

New Year's Resolution Ideas to Jump Start 2018
Looking for some New Year's inspiration? These resolution ideas are simple and effective, boosting your mind and body.

• Try a new type of exercise
  You know that exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but you might not be getting enough of it. Rather than making a vague goal to "work out more," challenge yourself to try a new type of exercise. This way, you can try different classes and activities until you find one you love.
• Keep a gratitude journal
  Expressing gratitude can help boost the happiest parts of your brain, bringing you more joy in your everyday life. To turn this practice into a daily ritual, keep a gratitude journal by your bed or wherever you drink your coffee in the morning. Find a time every day to jot down a few items.
• Write more letters to friends
  How long have you been meaning to keep in touch with your friends? This year, stick to it by writing simple letters to your friends, both near and far. By doing so, you might even start some sweet correspondence.
• Update your life insurance policy
  Life insurance policies can be very beneficial. Sit down with your insurance agent to review you current policies. If necessary, make changes to fit your needs and budget.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
  Find a way to quantify this goal and make it more fun. For example, you might choose to try one new veggie-based recipe per week. You will be getting your five servings per day in no time at all.

From contacting life insurance companies to jotting down your joys, there are plenty of ways to create a better you. Write down your resolutions and check in on them throughout the year, starting over when need be. It's never too late to be happier and healthier.

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The holidays can be a difficult time when you are living with chronic illness. Even if you are surrounded by people who love you, the emotional and physical stress can be trying. In the first part of this series, we took a look at ways to emotionally cope with having a chronic illness during the holidays. In part two, we will outline ways to manage your healthcare needs while still enjoying this special time. No matter your health insurance policies, there are ways to cope while undergoing treatment. 

Part 2: Managing Your Health Needs
While you should talk to your doctor about prioritizing your health, the following are some strategies to use during this particularly busy time of year.

Plan relaxed holiday activities.
If you don't have the energy to chop down a Christmas tree or build a snowman, that's perfectly okay. Holiday movie marathons or gift exchange parties might be a better option for you right now. Suggest these gatherings and other low key activities to bond with your loved ones.

Talk to hosts about your dietary needs
Treatment may change your appetite or dietary needs, and this might make large holiday meals less appealing. Talk to the host before a gathering about any restrictions.

Take time to rest
This time of year is busy, but remember to take it easy. This could mean leaving events early or skipping parties altogether sometimes. Give your body time to recharge.

Focus on your strengths
Remember to enjoy what you can do rather than emphasizing what you can't do. For example, if you have grandchildren, remember that you can spend time reading with them even if you can't run around with them.

Ask for help
While you are a superhero, you don't have to do it all. If you usually host a dinner on the first day of Hanukkah, for example, ask someone else to do so this year. It's okay to change traditions as needed.

Putting yourself first sometimes is all part of retaining a healthy lifestyle while fighting your illness. Just like health insurance policies, self-care goes a long way. By taking care of your physical health, you can get through the holidays using your strengths -- not emphasizing your weaknesses.

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time spent with loved ones, but a chronic illness can make this time of the year anything but merry and bright. Fortunately, there are ways to help you through this time of year.

In part one of this two-part series, we will take a look at some ways to emotionally cope with the holidays. By following these tips, you can truly enjoy this season.

Part 1: Emotional Coping
The emotional side of having a chronic illness is far from simple. From managing health care expenses to resenting your family member’s bad health, there are plenty of reasons why you might feel down during the holidays. This emphasizes the importance of taking care of your emotional health. Consider these tips to get you started.

Choose a point of contact at every gathering
Ask a close friend or family member to be your support when things get hard at a party. This person might be your partner, best friend, sibling, or parent. If you start feeling low or unsettled, send them a text or pull them aside to chat for a moment. Their support will be helpful.

Take time for yourself
Remember that you don't have to always agree to outings and parties. Your emotional wellness is important is just as important as cancer care insurance, so take time for yourself to recharge. Self-care is central to a healthy lifestyle, especially when living with a chronic illness. If you need a night at home, give this to yourself.

Start a gratitude list
If you are not already keeping a journal, consider starting one during the holidays. While you are writing about your thoughts and feelings, also take the time to jot down a daily gratitude list. This may offer a boost to your spirits.

Remember that your emotions are valid
Even though everyone is telling you that you should be happy during the holidays, this isn't always the case. In fact, many people struggle during the holiday season. You have the right to feel your emotions.

Make an appointment with a counselor
If you are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, or any other thoughts that you want help working through, a professional can be a great resource. Your therapy sessions can be healing during this time.

Just as you need to address cancer care insurance and other logistics, your emotional health is also part of your care. Speak to your doctor about other ways to emotionally cope. They may recommend group counseling and other methods to handle this time of year. By making this effort, the holidays may be healing rather than harmful.