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So, fellow Digitants, how are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? I suspect many of you are still motivated, going strong and eager for results. Maybe some of you have faltered — have you smoked a cigarette or wolfed down a Big Mac? — or even decided the whole shebang isn’t worth it, that the studies are true: It’s impossible to change.

Personally I think most of the articles, studies and reports about yearly resolutions are just hype to fill newspaper pages and airwaves. It all seems like common sense: Change is hard, but you can do it if you really try.

That’s probably why the articles are so popular. People like reinforcement. Whether it’s for the change you seek, or because you’re trying to justify an indulgence, you can turn to these studies to inform your decision.

The Post and Courier ran an article today called 'Your Health.' Two doctors wrote it. They’re called the ‘You Docs.’

The article explains that being nice and helping people is good for you, that a positive outlook reduces stress and keeps you hopeful.

Say thank you a lot, too, the article says, and your health will thank you in return.

If you weren't born with a glass-half-full outlook, you can cultivate one — even when the job market, your bank account and maybe even your spirits are a little bit (or a lot) down. Helping others is just one way. Try these, too:

Say thanks. Once a week, think of someone who has had an effect on your life —big or small — and write him or her a note of gratitude. It not only makes the person feel connected and healthy; some research shows that 15 minutes of daily gratitude can dramatically decrease stress hormones in your body, too.

I don't know. I think most people say thank you when it's appropriate. (Those who know someone who says thank you excessively attest now to its maddening consequence. )

Where does this leave us then? With common sense. It's usually right on, and expects nothing in return.

But go read the the piece for yourself. It might make you feel good. Or don’t read it; find instead an article explaining that most resolutions aren’t worth the effort.

Either way, thanks for reading TheDigitel.