We all have a grand plan or two up our sleeves as a new year begins. One of the top New Year’s resolutions people makes each year is to get healthy but sadly many don’t stick with it after a month or two. As you get ready for the new year, let us help you prepare with a special Health & Wellness Guide.
In this guide, we share informative tips and useful pieces of advice for you to achieve a happier, healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood. When you set off to live healthier, the whole process can be overwhelming, but all it takes are a few small changes to make a big difference!
Exercise More
Starting, and sticking to, an exercise plan is one of the hardest things to do. Exercising results in both physical and mental benefits – from reducing stress and anxiety to improving self-confidence and enhancing cognitive function.
For many people, exercise seems too daunting and too demanding of a task. With the numerous exercise programs to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. Here are a few steps to make it a bit easier:
- Identify your goal
- Set a target or game plan
- Stay on schedule
- Track your progress
- Stay committed
Don’t straddle the line between wanting to get fit and actually doing something about it. Take the first step towards healthier habits and commit to fitness challenges. Remember, the only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen. Yoda said it best, “Do or do not, there is no try.”
Eat Better
Food is a delightful sensory experience – why not use it to take advantage of the benefits? Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health.
Weight loss isn’t the only reason to change up our eating habits – sometimes eating healthier simply makes us feel happier. However, eating healthy doesn’t mean that you have to give up your favourite comfort food! It is all about balance. You can still enjoy your favourite foods in moderation. The key is to eat them once in a while balancing them out with physical activity.
There are several ways on how to start eating better this year. Here are some:
- Eat fresh produce!
- Indulge smarter – less sugar doesn’t have to mean less deliciousness.
- Snack smarter with healthy options that you can keep at your desk.
- Pick one day a month and have a healthy dinner date.
- Be mindful during meal times.
Stay Hydrated
Water makes up about two-thirds of who we are – it accounts for 60 percent of our body and is essential to every cell. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from our bladder, and prevent constipation. Also, staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to stay healthy! Some of the benefits of proper hydration are the following:
- It combats fatigue – water helps cells compete for important enzymatic activities which contribute to a good sleep and restoration of bodily functions. Also, several studies have shown that water can relieve headaches in those who are dehydrated.
- Aids in weight loss – staying hydrated can help people lose weight; it is due to the fact that water can increase satiety and boost metabolic rate.
- Prevents formation of kidney stones – Water is an ideal solvent and it prevents salts and minerals from gathering, which could eventually form into kidney stones.
There are no set rules for living healthy but it’s important to recognize the aspects of your life that you can control right now; your health and daily habits are definitely one of them.
Meditate
Meditation is a skill you can learn to cope with stress, get a better night’s rest, succeed academically, and achieve overall health and wellness. It also enables you to let go of past difficulties, irritations, anger, grievances and conflicts by just being present with what is.
Laugh!
The good old medicine of the soul has been tested and proven by scientists over the decades. According to studies, laughter relieves stress, improves mood and is even related to boosting immunity and preventing heart disease. Laughing helps keep stress levels low and positive feelings high.
Invest in rest
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re always on the go and sometimes, we forget how to stop. Giving up rest and relaxation wears you down and takes a toll on your overall wellbeing. Relaxing whenever possible and whatever way work for you (whether it’s sleeping, taking a walk, reading a book) is healthier than you think. Not only does it delay the progression of a disease, but it may also speed recovery.
Take a vacation
This does not mean you need to book a month long trip to the Maldives. You can just take a day trip out of town and go explore. Research shows that not only are vacations good for your health, they may also increase your productivity, make your happier and more content.
Pay it forward
Doing good for others can have a powerful, positive effect on the immune system. At the same time, it helps you feel more connected to others, inspires confidence and promotes overall emotional happiness.