Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions aimed towards enriching and enhancing their lives. Below, we've put together just a few resolutions that can develop into habits, which are simple, yet effective in making real changes that will be long lasting.
1. Move Your Body More Often
You don’t have to go from Lazy-boy warrior to marathon runner in 2019, but it is a good idea to get up and moving more than in previous years. It isn’t necessarily about getting fit, losing weight, or achieving a certain shape. What it is about is improving your health.
Little things, like taking the stairs at work, parking further away and walking while out shopping, or even going an extra lap when walking the dog at night can have a profound impact on your health in the new year.
You don’t even have to do all your movement at the same time either. Break it down into two or three 10-minute movement sessions in a day, and see what a difference it makes in how you feel, the quality of sleep you get at night, and your productivity at work. You just might be amazed by the results.
2. Cook Fresh Foods at Home
If convenience foods and takeout represent the bulk of your nutritional intake, this habit will help your health more than you expect. The good news is that it is easier than ever to prepare fresh meals at home that will amaze family and friends thanks to various meal kit delivery services available throughout the country.
These services provide fresh ingredients along with step-by-step instructions to help you prepare delicious foods for your family in 30 minutes or less. You can find a plan for the pickiest of eaters, and your health will thank you for it.
If you prefer shopping at the grocery store for your foods, consider spending more time in the outer aisles, where fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance.
3. Get More Sleep
Few things impact your physical and mental health and well being more than sleep. If you get too little sleep, you may experience many unpleasant side effects from side effects that alter mood to those that are far more serious. People who consistently get too little sleep can experience long-term health consequences that include weakened immune systems and greater risks for serious health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Anxiety
- Depression
Getting an adequate amount of sleep, seven to eight hours per night, gives your body a sufficient amount of time to repair much of the toll an average day takes on your body, so you can wake refreshed and ready to tackle the new adventures, challenges, and triumphs each day brings in 2019. If your mattress is uncomfortable and not sleeping soundly as a result, why not consider a new natural latex mattress from Latex For Less.
4. Make Time for Self Care
You might be leading a busy life. Sometimes it might feel like you have to pencil in time for bathroom breaks, and you have to wonder where you’ll find 15 to 20 minutes to dedicate to caring for yourself. Those 15 minutes are precious, though, and necessary. How you spend those minutes is up to you. It needs to be something you find relaxing, soothing, or enjoyable. Some people choose:
- Meditation
- Soaking in a tub
- Journaling
- Pleasure reading
- Getting a massage
- Participating in a hobby
- Crossword puzzling
- Getting a manicure or pedicure
- Hiking or being out in nature
- Putting together jigsaw puzzles
- Having dinner out with a friend
- Watching a movie
- Going to the beach if you live nearby
- Building models
The list is endless, but the key is that you’re not working during this time, and allowing your mind and your body to recharge.
5. Drink More Water
Most Americans do not drink nearly enough water to remain properly hydrated throughout their days. Did you know that the average body is comprised of about 60 percent water? And our blood is made up of 90 percent water? What’s more, you’re constantly losing water by urinating and perspiring -- water that needs to be replenished.
Water is good for your skin, helps you feel fuller faster to aid in weight management, reduces muscle fatigue, and helps you maintain balance among the many fluids in your body.
The amount of water you should be drinking is unique to you and your activities. However, some health authorities advise the 8x8 rule. This means you should be drinking eight, eight ounces glasses of water each day. Remember, that’s just a guideline, and it may vary for you. Other health advocates suggest sipping on water regularly throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
One way to make sure you’re drinking enough is by keeping a water bottle or large insulated cup of ice water handy throughout the day, and refill it whenever you’re getting low. There are even several apps to help you track the amount of water you drink, and keep you on target for the water you need. Some will even remind you to drink water if you don’t update frequently enough.
These healthy habits won’t guarantee good health for everyone, but they will help many achieve better health in the coming year. Try them on for size today to see what changes they can bring to you for 2019 and beyond.
