Q. I may have over-indulged - what are your tips to losing weight?

A. This has to be the question I'm most asked - both in January and all year round. Losing weight may, however, be one of kindest things you can do for your body, reducing your susceptibility to a number of diseases.

There’s no easy answer but there are a few pieces of advice I’ll outline which may help.

Be realistic: identify an achievable goal. If you feel like you have a mountain to climb, you’ll be less likely to be motivated.

Start small: Break your plan into small manageable steps that you can tick off when you achieve them. Your feeling of success at the end of a week will help you keep your motivation.

Change one thing at a time: If you make too many changes it can be difficult to keep them all going. Change one behaviour until it becomes a habit – then change another.

Ask for support: It may be joining a group, it may be running with a friend, or chatting to work colleagues – but talking about your struggles, and crucially your successes helps your motivation.

Don’t feel as if you're a failure: just remember that no one is perfect. You will have occasional lapses. Be kind to yourself. If you eat too much, don’t exercise or have an extra glass of wine - don’t give up. Resolve to recover and get back on track.

There’s no magic answer but with some determination and will power, following the steps above will hopefully help you achieve your goals.

Q. January can be a difficult month – any ideas?

A. The middle of January is often a time when most people feel flat. Christmas has been and gone, and it still seems to be a long time until the warm weather arrives. But if you’re feeling a little low – there are ways to help lift your spirits.

Money is always sparse after Christmas. Try going around to a friend’s house for a coffee, rather than meeting at a coffee shop. Homemade scones are always best anyway!

The countryside we have on our doorstep is beautiful – go for a run or walk in the fresh air – maybe with a friend! It will help both your mind and body.

We all like helping others but never quite find the opportunity. What about working with your neighbours to clean up leaves? Even better, if there’s someone elderly or frail who lives nearby, why not ask them if you could clear their leaves so they don’t slip. There may be simple jobs they may not be able to do themselves.

Try spending time with your children or grandchildren. Our lives are so busy that sometimes we overlook or ignore the simple things. Building these relationships makes for lifelong happiness.

All the above needn’t cost the earth. Talking gets rid of these winter blues. Combine it with activity and even better in a group. You'll meet people and make new friends. And if you try something you've never done before – you might find you enjoy it.