One small change for a healthier lifestyle

When September arrives it sometimes feels like a new year for many people. Schools are back, the holidays in the sun are over and although it was a dismal summer there is a still of sense of renewal before the winter months set in. It's the best time of year to change your routine for good, writes Kieran O'Mahony

This is definitely the time of year to take up an exercise or sport and the wide variety of courses and evening classes available around the county reflect this. There are classes in badminton or you could try a yoga class for the first time. Gyms are also targeting people and some great deals can be signed up where you get the advice of a personal trainer who will go through your training and exercise regime.

It's all about taking the first step and making one small change to your lifestyle and you will notice the benefits immediately. It doesn't have to cost you much either. You can just head out for a walk in the evening after work. With the winter months ahead and the evenings closing in, high visibility when walking is crucial but the best thing about walking is it's free and won't cost you a penny. A good brisk walk in the morning or evening a few times a week will do wonders for you. It will help clear your head and you'll notice the energy levels rising. The temptation to veg out after work is always there but with just a little bit of willpower and determination it will become second nature to you and hopefully be part of your regular routine. It doesn't have to be a monumental change, just a small change.

We asked around the office to see what small change everyone is making to our routines now that September is here. 

Peter Flynn

I took up sea kayaking about five years ago and it's probably the most enjoyable exercise that I've done in my life. It's a complete full body workout and the joy of sea kayaking is that you can enjoy a gentle paddle in calm conditions or you can enter races like the Ocean to City race which is way more challenging. I feel great after it and it's a good cardiovascular workout and improves muscle tone and flexibility. It's also good for your mental health in that you're almost meditating while kayaking. You are concentrating on doing one thing and it's usually quiet with no distractions like mobile phones or anything.

Darragh Clancy

One of the main things I have done for a healthier lifestyle is to cut down on carbohydrates like white bread and rice. I don't feel bloated or anything any more and feel way better and am even getting compliments. I usually hit the gym once winter kicks in and do a bit of running too which I enjoy.

Grace O'Shea

Walking is definitely the one activity I enjoy. I usually walk about four miles a day after work and then about 12 miles at the weekends. I just really enjoy it, it clears my head after a long day at work and I feel much better after my walk.

Cathy Fitzgibbon

The one thing I do is Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) which is amazing for empowering and balancing my life. It takes out the negative energy in your body and helps me with migraines that I suffer from. I feel great the day after and this positive feeling last a long time. It involves placing crystals around my body in a relaxation room. You feel like something is happening to your body as the crystals affect the different chakras in your body.

Peter Horgan

I try in vain to cut down on carbs and biscuits. Somedays it works, somedays it doesn't - depends on the type of biscuit I'm faced with. I do my best to get some form of exercise in throughout the week, whether it is a walk, a run or a cycle. It's important to take small steps but to follow them with big ones.  

Louise Cashell

I try my best not to snack in between meals, particularly after my dinner. I often find that if there is a pack of biscuits or sweets open then I will have some even if I am not hungry so if I am feeling peckish I try to stick to fruit or rice cakes. As for exercise, I wouldn't be known for it but I try and get out for a walk when I can as it's a good way to clear my head after work-even if it's just around the block, it all makes a difference!

Deirdre O'Shaughnessy

I have a terrible sweet tooth and with the amount of tea and coffee I drink had been getting up to 20 spoons of sugar a day in just my beverages! So I've bowed to the inevitable and started bringing Canderel around with me. It doesn't taste half as nice as sugar but I've noticed how much less sluggish I feel now that I'm not subject to so many sugar-related highs and lows.

Liane Buckley

Walk more!!  Even 20 minutes a day.

Jarlath Feeney

Don't rely on willpower - just don't put stuff in the fridge I am trying to avoid.

On Twitter...

Olga FitzGerald @wwTIGRAww

Have given up coffee and tea, smoothie gives amazing energy boost! And a whole new world of healthy green tea, I feel way better!

Jenny Murphy @JennyRedBalloon

Eat a breakfast!

Sandra Murphy @sandramurphy999

I've done loads in the past week as I've been run down for ages! Daily 7k walk, daily tonic & vitamins & watching my diet.