As we get older, we need to make changes in our lifestyles to stay strong against the natural degradation of our bodies. Motivation can be hard to find, especially during the winter, so we must find new and interesting ways to fight laziness and lethargy. By utilizing these ways to stay healthy and active as you get older, you’ll stay invested in any New Year’s Resolutions you may have made while also keeping your body strong for yourself and your family.

Watch what you eat!

Everyone has had someone tell them to watch what they eat or has tried to diet at some point in their life. Loving what you eat is important! If you don’t enjoy what you’re putting in your body, then your happiness will suffer. Take it easy on yourself—instead of forcing harsh, sudden changes in your eating plan, change how often you eat. A gradual change may prove to be more rewarding than suddenly cutting a type of food out of your life—and it might even last longer than a month.

Update your bucket list with exciting activities

Finding the motivation to strengthen your body and stretch your physical limits is difficult for many of us. The beginning of the year gives everyone a good opportunity to examine their bucket lists. If you haven’t made a bucket list yet, this year is as good a time as any to start.

Keeping in mind all the scares of the last year, update your bucket list with all the things you want to live to see. Take out your list whenever you need a reminder of why you want to live a healthier lifestyle and keep your body strong. If there’s a physical activity you want to push yourself in, add dream goals to your bucket list—such as dream hiking destinations or a lap time you want to match while swimming.

Do a little bit each day

Even the smallest amount of activity every day can provide you with ways to stay healthy and active as you get older. Do a simple walk around the neighborhood or a few exercises in your home each day to keep your body moving. At the end of the day, reflect on what you did to make your body happy—even if it isn’t much.

Remember, the harder you are on yourself, the less you’ll want to continue trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Give yourself proper breaks, treat yourself after a hard day, and praise yourself for your efforts. It may not seem like much right now, but the more you keep at it, the easier it’ll become.