Walking 20 minutes each day in a manner which increases your heart rate and uses muscular strength will improve your health and prepare you to enjoy all the happy surprises of the New Year. Walking with friends will ensure that this habit will not be quickly abandoned.

Your mental health will surge one giant leap forward, when you add working for the good of your community to your list of activities. Everyone needs to be needed, and helping the old, the ill, the impoverished and the young and talented are areas in which assistance is always lacking.

The game of chess is said to increase mental ability and decision-making skills. It is also great fun and an opportunity for socialising. In recent times, there has been an upsurge of this activity in Jamaica, especially with the creation of the Magnificent Chess initiative. Check them out at www.magnificentchess.com.

An extensive variety of reading materials available locally means that even those who - as a rule - find reading a bit of a chore should be able to find reading matter which stimulates them. If fiction is not your thing, consider self- help books, biographies and inspirational material. Reading stimulates the mind, improves writing and conversational skills and is often better than time spent at the movies. You can take a book with you anywhere - not so your DVD!

This would be a good year to spend time exploring the belief systems of the world. If you find one which suits you - all the better. Adherence to a faith is said to improve health, increase happiness and extend life. It also makes problems on the job and elsewhere look less dire.

Bored with going to the gym or just walking every day for exercise? Why not join a karate group or sports club and get yourself some awards? Involvement in physical activities at a competitive level improves both physical and mental health.

If your own children have gone off to college, or if you have space in your home and heart for children who need your help, why not call the Child Development Agency and take a child into your home? Both you and the child will benefit enormously.

Have you visited all the scenic and historic spots in Jamaica? Have you made that trip to a parish which you promised yourself? Whatever your dreams of travel, there is no time like this New Year!

If your friends are spellbound when you tell them about the things which have happened to you in life, you can be almost be certain that many others will want to hear this story too. If a biography is not your style, you may try inspiring others or doing research in a field which interests you, then writing about it. Publishing is another way of sharing with humanity.

Whether or not you made resolutions, when you have done good in areas of life and achievement, do not forget to salute the moment with a special and personal treat. Plan this reward even before the year begins, as it will be something to look forward to and also keep you motivated to achieve.

A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR FROM THE OUTLOOK TEAM