With New Year’s Day just around the corner, healthy resolutions will soon be made and most likely broken. We are all guilty of neglecting our health from time to time, so why not make the New Year, the year you focus on your health and making small changes to your lifestyle. Here’s five healthy resolutions to make in the New Year:
Be more active
Regular physical activity can help combat obesity, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions. If your goal is to lose weight then you will need to exercise in order to burn calories. The more intense the workout the more calories you will burn, which helps prevent weight gain and maintain weight loss. If you want to be fitter you don’t necessarily have to constantly be running on a treadmill, there are lots of other fitness options such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, boot camps, body balance, Zumba and kickboxing.
Eat more fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are essential for a healthy and balanced diet, however, the NHS found that only one in four adults eat their recommended five a day portion of fruit and vegetables. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, and can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. In order to get the most out of your five a day you should eat a mixture of both fruit and vegetables, and in their whole form not in a supplement pill.
Make more time for sleep
Sleep is vital for your health and if you don’t get enough, it can make you irritable, anxious, depressed, gain weight and have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One in three people will suffer from poor sleep, and it is often due to stress and work. Most people need around eight hours of good quality sleep in order to function properly, however, this does vary from person to person. Making a routine where you do the same thing every night before bed can help you fall sleep, such as setting yourself a bedtime, trying to wind down at least an hour before that and creating a comfortable environment. Sleep is when your body recovers and resets, so make sure you are getting enough and try to find what routine works for you.
Take time out for yourself
It’s important to take time out of your daily busy life to relax, whether it’s for meditation or just a breather. If work is quite stressful, remove yourself from the situation and make it a point to take breaks. You should also always try to go outside during your lunch break and breathe in the fresh air. It’s ok to take time out for yourself and say no to things, allow yourself some personal space and make you a priority.
Unplug yourself from technology
We aren’t suggesting giving up technology all together but if you occasionally switch off from your phone and spend more time with your loved ones, it will improve your overall wellbeing. Try not jumping at your phone every time it dings with a message, don’t check it first thing in the morning, avoid constantly scrolling through social media and charge your phone away from your bed. You could even try a technology free day if you feel you are up for a challenge as part of your healthy resolutions.
