New year, new goals. Why the beginning of the year is the best time to make a change

One of the benefits of setting yearly goals is that there is likely a community doing the same. In this way, you have support and encouragement from others to achieve your goals.

Whether you love New Year's goals or not, there's no better time than the beginning of the year to write them down. Whether it's a personal goal, business goal or lifestyle change, this could be the ideal time to start something new. Perhaps a new exercise regimen, healthier diet, or plan for future travels.

Whether you're setting life-changing goals or just kicking off the new year with a dose of positivity, it's no secret that there are documented benefits to planning ahead.

Long-term positivity: Research shows that setting New Year's goals is a great strategy towards a happier and more balanced life. When you move forward with a clear direction, know that you are contributing to your mental and emotional health.

More motivation: Achieving personal goals and overcoming barriers can help boost your confidence and motivate you to keep going. When you overcome obstacles and achieve something that is truly valuable to you, the brain responds by releasing dopamine. The satisfaction we get when we achieve a goal, whether substantial or momentary, gives us the confidence to go on and achieve more.

A sense of community: One of the benefits of setting goals for the year is that there is likely to be a community doing the same. In this way, you have support and encouragement from others to achieve your goals.

Looking for inspiration?

A study by Statista showed that some of the most common goals include exercise, fitness goals, healthy eating, weight loss, money management and lifestyle changes related to alcohol, time spent on social media and smoking.

One of the biggest changes a person can make is to quit smoking. It is a well-known fact that smoking causes harm, but the reason why smoking is so harmful to our health is widely misunderstood. There are over 6,000 chemicals in the tobacco we consume, of which about 100 have been identified by public health authorities as harmful or potentially harmful. Many people believe that nicotine causes the greatest damage to our health, but while it is addictive and dangerous, it is not the main cause of smoking-related diseases.

The smoke produced as a result of combustion is the cause.

Embrace smoke-free solutions this year

The best decision is to give up smoking and nicotine, and every year, millions of people manage to do this. Seek help from a professional doctor or local smoking cessation support service for advice and support to quit smoking – they will help you find a plan that works best for you.

Of course, quitting smoking is a personal and unique challenge, and not everyone succeeds the first time. Adults who choose not to quit and continue to smoke may choose to explore the science and innovation behind smoke-free alternatives in more detail. Products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine 'pouches', although addictive and not entirely risk-free, are a better alternative for adults than continuing to smoke.

The key difference between smokeless products and cigarettes is that smokeless alternatives deliver nicotine without burning. When we eliminate the combustion process, the levels of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals can be significantly reduced compared to cigarette smoke. It is important to remember that smokeless products are intended for adults as an alternative to smoking. They do not help to quit smoking. 

Whatever your reason for setting a goal, the decision to quit smoking leads to a better life in more ways than one.

With the right support, you can plan for a healthier, smoke-free future.