Come January we’ll be into the new year and that means it’s a great opportunity to start things fresh. Our goals or resolutions will be different, but whether you’re aiming to get in shape this year or want to take strides in moving your career forwards – everyone should add at least one thing that will help improve their health.
Check out this list of eight great ideas for your list of New Year’s Resolutions:
Kick the habits
The most difficult resolutions are often the habitual things we do on a daily basis. At the top of the list are smoking and excessive drinking. Both will negatively affect our bodies and it would be much healthier to just quit. Smoking especially, has a myriad of health problems associated with it, including lung and heart disease, oral complications and weight gain. Smoking and drinking might be some of the toughest habits to kick, but they’re also two of the most worthwhile ones. You can do it if you put your mind to it.
Eat healthier
This is especially important after the holidays. A couple weeks of too many Christmas cookies, holiday parties and overeating make January the perfect time to make a meaningful change to your diet. Cut down on sugar, salt and carbs as you add lots of greens to the menu. Give it a week or two and you’ll start to notice how much better you feel, how your energy has increased, and you’ll see results in the mirror too. Healthy food is good for your body and certain foods are great for your teeth too. Besides, there are so many great recipes out there that aren’t just healthy but taste great too.
Get more exercise
Adding exercise is a common resolution for many people because it’s such a great one for your health. It should go without saying that exercise is beneficial, but the problem is that an exercise regiment is easy to start but difficult to maintain long term. The best thing is to choose activities that you enjoy, whether that be yoga, lifting weights at the gym, or playing some sort of sport. Even taking daily walks is a great idea. The key to getting in shape is to remain consistent, because after a month or two of regular exercise your body will begin to ask for it naturally. If you’re feeling unmotivated – just start – as the first five minutes are the most difficult, and once you’re out the door the process will happen naturally.
Try to reduce stress
Stress is a leading cause of health problems and is one thing that seems to be increasing in our daily lives. Take steps to reduce the stress in your life by identifying the causes and triggers so you can avoid them as much as possible. It’s also important to take a few breaths and step back mentally when a stressful situation arises – train your body and mind not to react so strongly. Strengthening relationships with people close to you can also help alleviate some stress and help you feel supported.
Take care of your oral health
As part of healthy living, you’ll want to make sure your smile is in top shape. That means brushing and flossing regularly and making sure you’re up to date with your dental cleaning appointments. You should be visiting your dentist for a cleaning appointment at least twice every year to make sure your oral health is taken care of. While you’re there, you could consider a cosmetic treatment like a simple teeth whitening that will upgrade your smile and fill you with confidence.
Get more sleep
Adults should be getting between seven to eight hours of sleep every night, and you might be feeling a bit off if you don’t. The resolution to get more sleep is underrated and can really make a massive improvement in your mental and physical health. To get more sleep, try to move your schedule back by at least an hour – meaning start shutting things down earlier. Reduce screen time before bed and do something relaxing like reading a book as you nod off.
Try new things
To get out of a rut you need to do something different. A change of routine might be just the ticket to reengage your mind and elevate your mood. It could be something as simple as adding a daily walk or something more adventurous like joining a dance class. It’s recommended to change aspects of your routine and add things to it regularly to keep your mind stimulated and fresh.
Smile more often
Sometimes feeling good is mostly about your approach to life. In this sense, smiling more often can be a catalyst to feeling happier. Smiling will brighten your own mood but it’s also contagious to those around you – causing a chain reaction of good vibes. Spread your good mood whenever you can, and you’ll be rewarded for your effort.
