The New Year isn’t just a calendar flip. It is a chance to regain control over your health and reshape your life. So, use this opportunity to put everything in order and try reflecting on your health habits, including the bad and the good.
A recent study shows that 65% of Americans wait for the New Year to change their healthy habits. Some stick with the routine for the whole year, but others forget New Year’s resolutions by February.
If you started the New Year strong and want to continue with the journey until the end of the year, start with these simple strategies:
1. Eat Healthily
A healthy diet varies from one person to another. It all depends on what is available locally, where you live, and your culture. However, the principles remain unchanged – making informed decisions will help improve your eating.
Reducing foodstuffs high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, and salt might sound overwhelming, but simple steps, like swapping lunchtime pizza with sliced apples or bananas, will add up.
Think about a diversified and balanced diet, and keep whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in mind when planning your everyday meals.
2. Drink Clean, Purified Water Regularly
Not everyone gets access to safe, clean water. Because of that, over 2.5 million people die every year due to diseases resulting from drinking unsafe and clean water.
Impurities, like arsenic in water, can be poisonous, especially when its level is high. Through arsenic removal from water, you will have clean and safe water to drink. Drinking clean water keeps you safe from diseases and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and healthy.
3. Exercise More Often
Staying fit physically improves muscular and cardiovascular health and helps to fight illnesses. In addition, exercising has been proven helpful in improving your general mood and minimizing stress. So try squeezing in about 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise every week.
Effective exercising doesn’t need fancy equipment or to consume a lot of time. It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
4. Prioritize Getting Rest
In theory, we know that resting is vital. But how many people reflect that in their everyday actions? Whether it’s neglecting enough rest in their training regimes or staying up late scrolling chats on Facebook, people hardly give enough rest the attention it requires.
You can implement a couple of healthy habits to make resting a greater priority in your life. This may include creating an evening routine to help you unwind, avoiding coffee in the afternoon, and maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule.
5. Minimize Alcohol Intake
For some people, drinking alcohol is one of the pleasant social activities. Of course, who doesn’t like tossing a glass of wine with friends or drinking cold beer at the beach?
Drinking a small amount of alcohol is good for your heart health. However, drinking too much can result in the development of chronic illnesses.
The New Year is still fresh, so commit yourself to a holistic approach to living a healthy lifestyle that encompasses emotional, mental, and physical well-being. By minimizing alcohol intake, prioritizing getting rest, exercising, drinking clean water, and eating healthily, you will lay the foundation for vibrant health this year.