Coming to the close of another year, we all get a chance to look back on what the year has brought us, especially at the way we’ve grown ourselves. Once the ball drops and the celebration ends, the sun rises for the first time on a new year. When that happens, you get the chance to ask yourself a pretty important question—What kind of person do you want to be this year?
If you’re working on crafting your New Year’s resolution, consider taking on a goal to improve your health. Studies show that only 3% of adults in the United States live what passes for a healthy lifestyle. What’s intriguing about that is that a different study showed that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions made in the beginning of January are related to health and fitness.
In order to effectively improve your health in the new year, it’s important to first decide on specifically how you intend on doing so. Here are 5 goals you should make to improve your health and become a healthier, happier you.
Regular Exercise Routine
Establishing a consistent exercise routine has long been one of the most common goals people make at the start of a new year. It’s a great way to not only get your body in shape but also to establish a healthy mindset that prioritizes your wellness. Establishing a foundation of regular exercise is easier said than done, but it’s not really that hard.
It’s pretty common to see gyms and fitness studios packed to the brim with new and returning members in January, just as common as it is to see all those places return to their usual amount of business by February. This is because most gym rookies center their focus around just “going to the gym.” That’s just one part of establishing your exercise routine.
Goal-setting in your fitness journey is paramount, and it helps you to understand what you want out of your trips to the gym. This blog on SMART goals will help you make effective goals to get started.
Commit to a consistent exercise routine that includes a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises. Whether it’s daily walks, gym sessions, or home workouts, find activities you enjoy to make it sustainable.
Balanced Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet is arguably just as important to your long-term health as the amount of exercise you get. Treating your body with nutrient-rich foods and limiting unhealthy ones goes a long way in helping you to improve your overall well-being even if you’re not able to exercise as much as you would want.
Commit to a balanced and nutritious diet rich in essential nutrients. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals.
There are a lot of fad diets out there. While some of them (certainly not all) have clear benefits, there is no guarantee that a popular diet will be suitable for your body and your health goals. Strive for moderation and avoid extreme diets. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to tailor a plan that meets your individual needs and goals. Educate yourself about portion sizes and mindful eating practices.
Remember, a balanced diet not only fuels your body but also supports overall well-being, providing the energy needed for your daily activities and helping you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Adequate Hydration
Your water intake is a big, big deal, and it’s one many people fall short on. Roughly half of all people in the U.S. don’t drink nearly enough water, and only about 1 in every 10 people actually do.
The appropriate amount of water you should drink varies depending on your physical needs, but setting a goal to drink more water is universally a good goal. It’s also pretty difficult to drink more water than you should.
Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Set a goal for a specific amount that is appropriate for your lifestyle and body. You’ve probably heard the old adage of “eight glasses a day,” but if you have a smaller body type and feel waterlogged trying to drink that amount, then try to evaluate the amount of water best suited to you. Carry a reusable water bottle to make it easier to track your intake.
Quality Sleep
Believe it or not, the way society is these days, setting a goal to sleep more might not be a bad idea for many people. The average person in the U.S. get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. Adults who don’t get enough sleep on average have more health issues and a lower life expectancy.
Prioritize sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable.
Stress Management
Stress is inevitable, but how you approach it can vastly change how much you are able to tolerate your responsibilities in a healthy way.
If you set a goal to manage your stress more effectively in the new year, you might be unsure how to do it. Start by taking an inventory of the things that are creating stress for you whether healthy or not, and evaluate what you are currently doing to manage those things.
If you have factors in your life that are more stressful than they are rewarding, such as social media use or social events, consider separating yourself from those factors. Consider the things that are most important to you and prioritize them, such as work and family time. Likewise, moderate the amount of time you spend looking to things that may not matter as much.
While day-to-day life will still be stressful in the new year, incorporate stress-reducing practices into your routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Often, the way we get overwhelmed is not through the sheer magnitude of duties and responsibilities but rather through the unbroken tide of stressful activity without being able to stop.
Set realistic goals, delegate tasks, and learn to say no when needed. By doing so, you’ll be more present and capable of handling your life with greater resolve and efficiency.
Whatever you plan on doing to improve yourself in the new year, remember that the most important thing is to find ways to progress naturally. You probably won’t be a new person by January 2nd, so be patient, track your progress, celebrate your wins, and don’t give up on yourself!
Happy New Year, and Happy New You!
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