Happy New Year everyone! Like most people, you probably made some resolutions to keep. But how many of you actually stuck to them? No matter who you are or where your life will be in 10 months' time, making and keeping new year's resolutions can be an extremely positive and rewarding experience. Improving oneself is one of the most admirable things a person can do; when someone makes a resolution, they're not only improving themselves but inspiring others around them to make changes in their own lives. This article shares 10 healthy new year's resolutions to help you hit your health goals for 2022.
10 Healthy New Year's Resolutions to Keep
If you find yourself making the same New Year's resolutions year after year, or if you keep breaking those popular resolutions, it might be time to give your list a little overhaul. Consider adding some of these 10 healthy, not to mention doable, New Year's resolutions, and take a look at how you can change up your old list into 10 healthy rules that will help you stay on track to achieve a healthy lifestyle in the new year.
1. Drink more water
Water is essential for human health, and drinking more of it can have a plethora of benefits. Among them are weight loss, improved digestion, better skin health, and even boosted energy levels. So, make sure to drink plenty of water every day in order to stay healthy and hydrated. You may even want to invest in a water bottle that you can carry with you wherever you go. That way, you'll be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. And if you find water boring or unappetizing, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to give it some flavor. Just make sure to drink plenty of fluids other than coffee or tea, as they contain caffeine which can dehydrate you. Also avoid drinks with high sugar content, as they can have negative health effects in the long run.
Source: Back on Track Fitness Studio
2. Eat a healthy breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast is one of the best ways to start your day on the right foot. When you eat a nutritious breakfast every morning, you're providing your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to perform your daily routine. This can help boost your mood and productivity, and may also help prevent overeating later in the day, which could increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases. So, make sure to include plenty of protein, fibre and healthy fats in your breakfast each morning. Some great options include eggs, oatmeal, yoghurt, fruit, nuts and whole grain toast.
3. Get 8 hours of sleep each night
Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. When you don't get enough sleep, your body's hormone levels can become imbalanced, which can lead to health problems such as weight gain and high blood pressure. Additionally, lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate and think clearly, which can impact your work or school performance. To ensure you get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night, try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoid using electronics in bed and practise some relaxation techniques before bedtime like yoga and meditation.
4. Spend time with loved ones and friends as often as possible
Spending time with loved ones reduces your stress levels and might even help you live longer. Studies show that loneliness is linked to higher blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and even an increased risk for early death. Make it a point to spend quality time with family and friends once or twice per week, even if it's only for a few minutes or over the phone.
5. Exercise at least 3 times a week
Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and it can have many positive benefits. Exercising at least three times a week is a realistic goal that anyone can achieve as long as they set their heart and mind to it. can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, improve mental health, and much more. It's important to find an exercise routine that you enjoy so that you will be more likely to stick with it. Try different types of exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or a bike ride, until you find one that you love, or join a gym or sports league. Whatever you do, make sure to get enough exercise to see results. Try exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week. You'll start seeing improvements in your health in no time!
6. Say no to social media an hour before bedtime
When the clock strikes 10 pm, you should already be in pyjamas and in bed with your phone put away. It's no surprise that we have a hard time disconnecting from social media and turning off our phones before going to sleep, but limiting screen time can actually improve your health in many ways. When we stare at our phones or computer screens all day, it releases a chemical called melatonin, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain and makes us feel good. However, studies have shown that 10 or more hours spent using electronic devices daily may disrupt natural sleep patterns, increase cancer risk, and worsen the heart health of people who already have pre-existing conditions. So, if you want to live a healthy life in the new year and beyond, make a resolution to put your phone down an hour before bedtime and read a book instead.
7. Travel somewhere new
Taking a trip somewhere you've never been before is a great way to recharge your body and soul and develop a new perspective on life. Travelling is an important component of people's wellness goals as exploring new places has been proven to boost happiness levels and decrease anxiety and depression. So, add this healthy resolution to your list and take action to make it happen.
8. Eat home-cooked meals
Maintaining a healthy diet is easier said than done. But cooking your own meals is a good place to start if you want to improve your health. Say goodbye to fad diets and hello to healthier food. Cooking allows you to not only know exactly what's going into your food but also control the portion sizes and the ingredients. Cooking at home also tends to be cheaper than eating out, so it's a great way to save money while also enjoying a healthy meal. If you're not used to cooking or meal planning, start by following simple cookbook recipes. Over time, you'll become a more skilled cook and can experiment with more complicated recipes. Eating 5 or more home-cooked meals every day is one of the best ways to improve your health and wellbeing.
9. Start your own natural health business
If you're looking for a way to improve your health in the new year, starting your own health business could be the perfect solution. Not only will it inspire you to maintain a healthier lifestyle, but you'll also be able to help others realise their health and fitness resolutions. By setting a good example and sharing your knowledge and experience, you can help others make healthy changes that will improve their quality of life. If you're interested in starting your own health business, Natural Therapy Pages can help you get started. This is the perfect time to take control of your health and start your own successful natural health business. It's a health and wellness resolution you can definitely keep!
10. Practise self-care
Self-care is an essential part of staying healthy and happy. When you practise self-care, you are taking time out for yourself to relax, rejuvenate and restore your energy. This can improve your health and wellbeing overall. There are many different ways to practise self-care, so find what works best for you and make it a regular routine. Some examples include yoga, positive self-talk, meditation, aromatherapy, journalling and spending time in nature. When you make self-care a priority, you will feel better mentally and physically, and be able to handle stressors more effectively.
Have 10 minutes free? Then you have time to do these 10 healthy new year's resolutions. It can be hard at first, but you will get into the swing of things eventually! Just don't give up if it gets too hard or you feel like you're not making progress. Keeping your New Year's resolutions, no matter how difficult it may seem, is what makes them so rewarding in the end.
