The year 2019 is finally coming to a close. At this point, a lot of people are already starting to set resolutions for the coming year. Now that a new decade is about to begin, it’s also a good time to make the changes you want.
Start the new year right with a healthy mind and body—here are some New Year’s resolutions you may consider.
1. Follow a workout routine consistently
Arguably the most common New Year’s resolution out there, finding the time to be active should be one of your main priorities. Assess your current fitness status and find a workout routine you can follow. If you can’t commit to a fixed number of days a week in the gym, you should take note of other training programs or exercise routines that are easier to complete.
In case your schedule is getting tighter by the minute, don’t fret. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to spend on an expensive gym membership or make a big change in your routine. Adopting healthier habits such as walking every morning can already make a huge difference.
2. Develop healthier practices in the office
The average employee spends around 28 hours per week inside the office, sitting at a desk. The time and energy you spend on your daily office tasks may make it hard for you to maintain an active lifestyle.
If you don’t have the luxury of time, you can still maintain your health by tweaking your habits in the workplace. Taking a mid-day walk, drinking more water, and stretching in between your tasks can make a positive impact on how you feel throughout the day. For more details, here are five simple and easy ways you can stay fit in the workplace.
3. Choose healthier food options
When the time comes that you need to head out for lunch or go to the grocery, choosing healthy food options consistently will have its long-term benefits. If one of your goals is to lose weight, you shouldn’t follow the notion that you have to lower your calorie intake. A better approach would be to cut out processed food and increase your consumption of greens.
Vegetables play a significant role in a healthy diet. They provide a number of benefits, ranging from improvements in your mood and cognition to lowering the risk of diseases. Try to lessen your meat consumption, as well. Opting for salads and healthier alternatives won’t only maintain your health, but it will also pave the way for greener earth by reducing your carbon footprint.
4. Cutting down on sugar
Cutting down your sugar intake comes with a lot of short and long-term benefits. Other than helping you manage and keep diabetes at bay, you can lose weight, improve your mood, and gain more energy throughout the day.
If you love cake and ice cream, you can reduce your sugar intake by taking note of low-sugar dessert alternatives. If you like soft drinks, you should know that zero-sugar or diet products are not healthier alternatives. If you’re looking to make giant leaps toward a healthier lifestyle, choosing green tea as your go-to drink and opting for fruits as dessert is your best bet.
5. Get more sleep
Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, getting enough sleep is an absolute must. When it comes to maintaining your health, sleep is often neglected, but it’s important to note that it’s just as crucial as the diet and exercise routine you follow.
Having 8 hours of good quality sleep will allow your body to recover more effectively, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and put you at your best mental state. If you’re having some trouble falling asleep, following a bedtime routine would let your body get into a consistent rhythm.
6. Find the courage to quit smoking
The best time to quit smoking is now. The negative effects of smoking may not be as evident now, especially for young adults, but it will eventually manifest as you grow older.
Other than increasing your longevity, deciding to quit is a very practical decision. On average, a pack of cigarettes costs around Php 120. For a pack-a-day smoker, choosing to quit can save you around Php 840 a week.
If you’ve attempted to stop multiple times but have been unsuccessful, you could always start again. Take a look at this guide for some tips on how to quit smoking.
7. Limit your alcohol intake
Given the festivities of the holiday season, it’s likely that you’d share a few drinks with some friends and family. It’s okay to drink a few on special occasions, but if you’ve been drinking copious amounts regularly, you need to remind yourself that frequent intoxication has grave consequences.
Binge drinking won’t only damage your liver, but it can also lead to other kinds of health, mental, and social complications. With this in mind, you should make the extra effort to limit your alcohol intake. If your friends invite you to a party, learn how to say no if you don’t feel like going out. Or, you can simply refuse a drink. Your future self and your wallet will thank you for it.
8. Stay in close contact with your friends and family
Don’t forget to take care of your mental health, as well. When you’re faced with a tough time, there’s no better way to destress than to keep in touch with friends and family whom you know genuinely care for you. Letting your feelings out to someone you trust will always be a healthier coping mechanism than stress eating or smoking.
3 Simple Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Work
1. Start with small and specific goals
Making small and specific adjustments go a long way. Vague resolutions such as “get fit” or “be healthier” do not entail any particular action and usually end up getting unaccomplished. In this case, something like “go to the gym twice a week” is better as this is a definite goal that can be measured regularly and over time. This way, you can keep your progression consistent.
2. Share your resolutions to your friends and family
If one of your goals for the year is to quit smoking, it’ll be harder for you to stop if people are unaware of your intentions. Don’t be shy to announce the lifestyle changes you want to make. By informing your friends and family, it’ll be harder for you to fail since they will support you and likely help you stay on track with your goals.
3. Take things one day at a time
Don’t beat yourself up if you didn’t follow through—change is difficult, and it takes time. If your goal is to cut down on calories, but you ate too many sweets in the evening, you should remember that you can always start again tomorrow. It doesn’t matter how long it will take you, as long as you keep going forward with your goals. Take things one day at a time and remember to celebrate small victories.
Start the New Year with a Healthy Body
Now that the year is about to end, start the new decade right by taking better care of your body. Committing to the resolutions above will definitely pave the way for a long, happy, and healthy life. But if you’re experiencing any symptoms or any health concerns, contact us today for outpatient care and be assisted to prepare for HealthHub procedures, if necessary.
