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Simple, Healthy Resolutions For The New Year
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The "Happy New Year!" greeting we hear each January is synonymous with commitments to better ourselves in some way. Only a few of us actually make good on these resolutions.
While difficult, it is not beyond our ability to stick to New Year's Resolutions. Beginning now, dedicate yourself to a few of these laudable goals and stick with them! To your health!
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Lose Weight
The fact that this is perennially among the most popular resolutions suggests just how difficult it is to commit to. But
you can succeed if you don't expect overnight success.
Also, plan for bumps in the road. Use a food journal to keep track of what you eat and have a support system in place. Having someone present on a regular basis will help get you through those rough times.
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Stay In Touch
Feel like old friends and family have fallen by the wayside? It's good for your health to reconnect with them. Research suggests people with strong social ties live longer than those who don't.
In fact, some studies suggest that a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much as alcohol abuse and smoking, and even more than obesity and lack of exercise.
In a technology-fixated era, it's never been easier to stay in touch-or rejuvenate your relationship-with friends and family, so fire up social media and follow up with in-person visits.
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Cut Your Stress
A little pressure now and again won't kill us; in fact, short bouts of stress give us an energy boost. But if stress is chronic, it can increase your risk of-or worsen-
insomnia,
depression,
obesity,
heart disease, and more.
Long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress. While stress is an inevitable part of life, take measures to lessen its effects, such as exercise, relaxation, spending time with loved ones and pursuing hobbies.
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Travel
Traveling allows us to tap into life as an adventure, and we can make changes in our lives without having to do anything too bold or dramatic.
Taking a trip can make you feel rejuvenated and replenished. It can get you out of your typical scenery, and the effects can be revitalizing. Traveling is another form of new discovery and learning, and great for the body and the soul.
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Eat Breakfast
Sk
ipping breakfast may increase coronary heart disease risk, according to studies. Breakfast is an important meal that will improve concentration and also help maintain weight.
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They are high in fat, high in calories and full of chemicals, which are not good for health.
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Walk, run or play in the fresh air and connect with nature. We can do that even in winter.
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Find A Passion
Figuring out where real passions lie in life, whether it is playing a sport, caring for family or pursuing a career will help keep us healthy and active into old age.
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Share Meal Times Together
It is nourishing on many levels including your health. When we eat with others we slow down and enjoy our food more. Also, it is good to spend time connecting with others.
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Drink Lots Of Water
Water can help maintain concentration and digest food. Plus we will eat less.
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Give Your Brain A Work Out And Read For Pleasure
This will help keep the brain healthy and is a great way to stay active and sharp into old age.
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Start Using SPF Every Single Day. Even In Winter
Skin cancer is one of the most rapidly rising cancers in the U.S. Applying SPF will help reduce your chances of skin cancer.
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Eat Healthy Snacks Consistently
We all get hungry between meals. These healthy snack ideas will help keep you within your diet and maintain a moderate weight:
Link to Article
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Don't make too many resolutions
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There's no rule that you have to cover all areas you'd like to change in your resolutions. Pick one or two themes - - such as healthy eating, quitting smoking, getting fit - - that are most important to you, and set reachable goals within these areas.
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Plan intermediate goals if it helps you maintain control
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Decide where you'd like to be in three or six months, and check yourself then. Achieving these smaller goals also gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation for the bigger projects.
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Just because you have broken them in the past does not mean you should give up on setting resolutions. You may need to simply readjust the type and number of goals you're setting for yourself.
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A resolution to run a marathon by year's end is likely unrealistic for an inexperienced exerciser. Likewise, resolving to stop all your unhealthy habits at once is likely to fail. Pick a safe, attainable goal with a realistic time frame. For example, if your resolution is to eat healthier, begin by eliminating one unhealthy food from your diet at a time, not all unhealthy foods.
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Sources: WebMD.com, Health.com, RealSimple.com, Medicinenet.com, Care2.com
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