photo by My Doula, Erica
It's that time of year again.. time to make your 2018 New Years Resolutions. But what if this year you make your resolution a habit, not just a daunting task? Here are some healthy habits which will make sticking to your resolution a bit easier.
- Start your day off with a healthy breakfast.
- Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help give you:
- A more nutritionally complete diet
- Improved concentration and performance in the classroom or the boardroom
- More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity
- Lower levels of cholesterol
- Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help give you:
- Exercise.
- We all have excuses to skip a days workout. But, try making this a habit! Plan 30 minutes into your daily schedule for a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a quick at home workout. Even 30 minutes of movement in your daily schedule can improve your mood and reduce stress, and lower your risk of stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
- Get enough sleep.
- Sleep is a very important factor in your overall health and wellbeing. Not getting enough sleep can result in weight gain and depression. Research suggests that adults should try to get 7-9 hours of restful sleep. Try sticking to a sleep routine, even on the weekends. Turn off things that spike your attention such as the television, your cell phone, or tablet, and do calming activities before bed.
- Drink more water.
- Are you a caffeine fanatic? Try this simple trick to get your water intake up, without having to give up your coffee. If you're a "two cup of coffee" type of person, drink your first cup, then have a cup of water before drinking your second cup of coffee. This will help you stay hydrated while you indulge in your morning cup of joe.
- Snack healthy.
- Ditch the chips you're bringing to work as a snack and replace them with fruit slices, or nuts! Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews give you the crunch and salt you might be craving, but they are filled with protein, and are definitely more nutritious than chips or crackers.
Remember, your New Years resolution is not just one thing specifically; overall, your new year's resolution should be a way to improve many aspects of your life. Health, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing are all important. Taking strides in improving each of these areas of your life will create an overall better living experience.
