The New Year is a prime time for making bold resolutions to improve your life.

Likely promises include eating and drinking less, keeping healthy and spending less money.

But did you know that last year more than 40% of people gave up their resolution after only two weeks?

The problem with resolutions is that they are often absolute. “I will give up eating chocolate” or “I will go to the gym every single week day” aren’t likely to be sustainable long-term, and when you inevitably give in to temptation you may feel like you’ve failed altogether.

Instead, why not make smaller changes to your everyday life, like starting to walk or cycle more of your regular journeys instead of taking the car out?

You could think of it as a resolution to get more fresh air and exercise.

You could start with walking or cycling with your children to school.

The news is constantly telling us that children today are not as fit as when we were at their age and that they don’t get enough exercise.

Or how about cycling to work once a week on a dry day or when you’re feeling up to it?

The average cycle commute to work should burn around 235 calories, and is a great way to fit regular exercise into a busy schedule – without the commitment and expense of a gym membership too.

Building up slowly and setting realistic targets are great ways to ensure you stay motivated. Why not keep a log, to see how much extra exercise you’re fitting in and how much money you’re saving. This will also help keep track of your progress.

Sustrans’ Swindon team can help by providing free walking and cycling maps, information for free bike loans, and personalised routes for the specific journeys you would like to change.

Fill in the short form at survey.sustrans.org.uk/swindon_your_journeys to receive your pack by post. Or you can call the team directly on 01793 600772. When you request your pack you’ll also get entered into a draw to win £100 of vouchers, sure to beat the back-to-work blues!