There’s something inspiring about the start of a new year. It’s when you promise yourself you’ll eat better, exercise more and watch less TV. But when reality sets in, it can be difficult to break less-desirable habits and embrace newer, more constructive ones.

Here are our seven best resolutions for 2017:

1. Practice deep breathing twice a day for five minutes

Stress is the greatest ager. Deep breathing and behavioral modification can control your reaction to stressful events.

Break the vicious cycle of stress with a productive response to any kind of stressful event: breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Place a finger on your belly button and concentrate on your finger moving in as you breathe in and out as you exhale. Deep breaths like this can act as a mini meditation.Shifting to slower breathing in times of tension can help calm you and allow you to perform better mentally and physically.

2. Honor sleep

When you’re busy, it’s easy to say the thing you want to sacrifice is sleep. But you need sleep for many reasons, and one of the biggies is that it conditions your brain for optimal learning, problem-solving and memory. Shoot for 6.5 to 8.5 hours per night.

3. Walk 10,000 steps a day

The sweet spot for getting the maximal health benefit for minimal work is 10,000 steps a day. Research shows it’s the number of steps that can help people lose weight and gain control of diabetes.

Try these indoor exercises when the temperature is too cold outside:

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
2. Walk a few laps around your office or home each hour.
3. Do lunges or jumping jacks while you’re standing at the stove or the washing machine.

4. Choose your food wisely

Pan-seared salmon. A sun-ripened pear. Stick to foods like these that you and your body love.

In a fascinating new study, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston examined the eating habits and health records of almost 55,000 women over about 26 years. Those who ate the most produce, good fats and lean proteins—and who steered clear of things like sugary drinks, trans fat and too much alcohol—were 13 percent more likely to stay mobile and independent compared to those whose diets were less healthy.

That’s big news. More mobility means more freedom to live the life you want. It also keeps your body and mind younger while cutting your risk for heart disease, diabetes and depression.

A pro tip for healthy eating: Buy a good cooking knife.

If you invest in a high-quality knife and learn how to use it, your time savings in meal preparation will be enormous, and your desire and willingness to make delicious meals will increase exponentially.

5. Know your health numbers

Keep the following in mind throughout the year:

• 120/80 or lower: A normal blood pressure reading
• 35 or less (for women) or 39 or less (for men): A healthy waist circumference measured at the belly button
• 2: The number of times weekly to build and preserve muscle with strength training.

6. Give your brain a workout

We’re huge fans of puzzles that stimulate the brain. Try out sites like BrainHQ.com for stimulation designed to keep you sharp, or stick with old standbys like the daily crossword, Sudoku or a big jigsaw puzzle.

7. Focus on personal development

Personal growth is one of the keys to feeling happy. Focus on self-improvement daily, whether it’s taking better care of your health, doing things that give you confidence or journaling to understand yourself better.

A recent study of newly graduated college students proved focusing on happiness matters. Young adults who spent their first two years out of school pursuing materialistic goals (wealth, looks and fame) were far less happy than students who achieved more intrinsic personal goals, like getting involved in their communities or nurturing close friendships.