Are your New Year resolutions focused on a positive and healthy lifestyle? The start of the year is a good time to make changes to improve your health, but it can also be overwhelming – and expensive! There are plenty of things you can do to improve your health without breaking the bank though; we’ve put together five top tips to help you.

Exercise, and be positive

2018 was a year of fitness and body positivity. Yet despite all the gadgets and gizmos, the fitbits, gym memberships and exercise classes, keeping fit and happy doesn’t need to cost the earth. High street shops such as Sweaty Betty, Asics and Nike offer free weekly running clubs, pilates, and yoga classes, so check out their websites to sign up online. Alternatively, download some free exercise apps, try ‘Couch to 5K’ and train your way to your free local Parkrun.

Undertake a digital detox

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and emails. In our technology reliant world, we all seek the comfort of scrolling. And while research claims that social media has a negative influence on our health and relationships, there is also a savvy reason to digitally detox in 2019. Going ‘off grid’ can reduce the time you’re exposed to advertising, promotional emails, and ‘FOMO’. So, it could help you save!

Plan your meals weekly

Weekly meal planning is a really effective way to reduce your monthly outgoings. In fact, it is the number one tip on the NHS’ ‘20 tips to eat well for less’. And while ‘budget’ and ‘health’ are often seen in conflict, eating good food for cheap is easy if you know your stuff. Try Hungry Healthy Happy’s top tips for Healthy Eating On A Budget or BBC good food’s cheap and healthy recipes for some ideas.

Leave the car behind

Walking is a great way to get fit, and it’s completely free. Next time you need to pop to the shops, try walking instead of battling for a parking spot, or get on your bike. Switching up your commute is a great way to sneak exercise into your daily routine too. If you live close enough, you can try walking or cycling to work, or if you take the bus, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way there. It’ll clear your head and help you save on travel costs.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

The health benefits of drinking water are widely known. But is there also a saving case for sticking with H20? If you  carry a reusable bottle with you all the time, most cafes and local pubs will fill it up for free which will help you cut down on buying bottled water, or a cheeky fizzy drink.