Starting the new year off right is important. You’re given a fresh start every 365 days, but what’s going to be different this year so that you’ll actually stick to your resolutions and better yourself? Probably not too much, unless you make a plan. Planning ahead is an important part of achieving any goal, and it’s no different with New Year’s Resolutions. The majority of people’s resolutions tend to be health-related. Whether it is losing weight, eating better, or hitting the gym, many people want to be a healthier version of themselves by the time the clock strikes midnight next year. So, what healthy habits can you pick up in 2019? Let’s find out!
Whether you’re resolving to lose weight or change your eating habits, several studies show that you’ll have a better chance of keeping your resolutions if you utilize your social network. Social networks are closely linked to shared behaviors and you might be surprised how much health habits are spread between friends and acquaintances.
Beyond that, just being social can improve your health. There’s plenty of evidence showing that belonging to a social group can help you live longer and with better brain health as you age.
Engaging with others is as vital to your health as eating well and getting regular exercise. Consciously working with others not only improves your physical health, it also garners social, emotional, and psychological rewards. Remember, when you make a healthy choice, you are not just doing it for yourself, - you’re also helping everyone around you.
Everyone knows that it is important to drink the recommended amount of water every day, but why? Drinking plenty of water each day ensures that your body is performing to the best of its ability! With the proper water intake, you’ll be with optimal brain power and a good mood, not to mention you’ll be protecting your muscles from any physical harm you might experience in a workout (or while sitting all day at your desk). Hydration is also key to weight loss. Many studies show that increased water intake promotes weight loss, and it will keep you feeling full, too. Staying hydrated can also help prevent headaches and long-term diseases. Having trouble staying hydrated? Try purchasing a new water bottle and keep track of how many ounces you’re drinking each hour, or maybe download an app that reminds you to hydrate!
Just like planning an overall path to achieving your goals is important, so is planning each day. A new day is a stepping stone on the path to achievement, so why not plan that, too? Each night before bed you could write down what, you plan to eat for each meal the next day. This includes snacks, too.
You don’t want to find yourself hungry at work with no healthy snacks in sight and be tempted to reach a bag of chips or candy! In addition to your meals, how about planning when you will hit the gym? In the morning? After work? At night? Whatever time you choose, make sure you have a plan to get there. If it helps, pack your gym bag the night before and bring it to work with you. That way you won’t be tempted to go home and stay home after a long day at the office.
If you try just one of these steps for a healthier lifestyle, this might be the one to choose. A good night’s sleep can go a long way.
You might be able to get up and start your day a little earlier and happier, or put in that extra effort in your exercises at the gym, or just feel healthier if you’re well rested. Start by trying to go to bed just a half hour earlier. Even if you don’t fall asleep right away, begin to wind down (that means no phones or tablets!), and relax your mind to promote a better night’s sleep.
Yes, that’s right. You read that correctly. You went to the gym 5 or 6 times this week? Take a day off. You cooked your own meals and ate healthy all week long? Splurge on the weekend with a cheat meal or two. Being healthy isn’t about cutting out what you enjoy, it’s about moderation. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean absolutely no ice cream,. it means eating plenty of fruits and veggies, being conscious of feeling full, and eating your favorite treats in moderation - this is called mindful eating, a way of eating with awareness. Should you eat a whole pint of ice cream after dinner tonight? Probably not, but let yourself have a small bowl if you want it. After all, you’ve worked hard and you deserve it.
With these five new healthy habits, you’ll be feeling accomplished this year. No more watching your New Year’s Resolutions get put on the back burner. In 2019, you’ll find yourself with more pep in your step if you follow this plan to achieve your goals! Happy New Year, and best of luck in the coming months.