Replace Resolutions with Healthy Habits
The new year has arrived and, for many, so has a fresh, new start. New Year’s resolutions are being made all over the world as people use the calendar change to better themselves. While resolutions like lose weight and save more money are common, many well-intentioned resolutioners fizzle out even before February arrives. Instead of easy-to-break resolutions this year, try embracing these four simple habits for a happy and healthy 2022.
Be Proactive – Plan Your Weeks in Advance
So many plans are derailed due to unexpected events that are often beyond our control. The kids tell you about a science project that’s due the next morning, a meeting runs long so you can’t make it to the gym, or your transmission goes out on your vehicle. Taking time on the weekend to plan your daily schedule and meals and allotting yourself buffer time when things don’t go according to plan will keep you committed to the kind of structure your mind, body and budget crave. Plan to get up an hour before your kids to eat a full breakfast and go for a light walk so their procrastination doesn’t keep you from your daily exercise. Prep weekday lunches on Sunday so they’re easy to grab and go and you won’t be tempted to spend money on less healthy dining-out options like fast food.
Be Rested – Sleep 7-9 Hours a Day
Everyone understands the importance of sleep, but squeezing in the recommended hours of shut-eye is extremely difficult for most of us. The average adult should get seven to nine hours of sleep per 24 hours, with nine being the most ideal because it allows you to complete all the stages of sleep. It’s worthwhile to prioritize sleep because it’s crucial to our health. While life gets busy between work, family, social commitments and maintaining a household, these tips can help ensure you’re getting enough high-quality sleep. Plan ahead to get to bed at a reasonable hour so you’ll feel refreshed and able to tackle the next day.
Stay Hydrated – Drink Water Throughout the Day
Drinking water throughout the day is important even if you aren’t doing heavy exercise. Hydration helps you stave off fevers and digestive problems as well as keeps you energized and clear-minded. Some easy ways to maintain your hydration daily are drinking two cups of water first thing in the morning, carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day, drinking a glass of water after you have a cup of coffee, and replacing soda and beer with flavored seltzer water with your meals. Drinking the right amount of water and staying properly hydrated affects your mood in such a way that you can see immediate improvement in your daily life, so drink up!
Stay Active – Stand Up, Walk and Keep Moving!
A regular exercise plan is a great path to healthy living, but for those who need to warm up to such a commitment or feel they don’t have time at the moment, you can fit physical activity in your lifestyle right now. Any little bit helps and keeping your heart pumping is key to feeling good and avoiding illness. Use your lunch break to squeeze in a brisk walk, or step out of the office on breaks for five-to-10 minute walks. At your workstation, use a standing desk to prevent sitting all day or use an ab ball in lieu of a chair to keep your core engaged. While watching TV, do light exercises like crunches, pushups or yoga stretches to keep yourself moving. Creating these healthy habits can pave the way to incorporating more exercise in your daily routine.
We hope you have an active, healthy 2022!