So, another New Year has come around again and the first thing most of us do when the 1st day of the year hits is set some resolutions for the year ahead. One New year’s resolution I hear every year, is “I want to be healthier and change my lifestyle”. This is one that many of us fail at time and time again and are never able to see it through. So, to help you get on the right track and start your year off well, we have laid out a few pointers on what you should be doing to make this year a successful one when it comes health and wellness.
Tip number one: Set your goals.
Setting your goals is the first part of starting your year off well. Some of you may ask “but isn’t I want to be healthier a goal?” Well yes, it is a goal, but it is too vague. We suggest you focus on making your goals specific, realistic, and measurable for example: I want to exercise three time a week for 30 minutes.
Tip number two: Be committed and accountable.
One way of keeping yourself accountable is by using visual aids, such as star charts. These work well at helping you keep track of your progress while offering you a reward for achieving your goal for the day. Having a buddy or joining an exercise group to help hold you accountable and keep you in check is also a nice idea. After all, no-one wants to disappoint someone by missing a gym session.
Tip number Three: Sleep
It is important to remember that it is not just about the quantity of sleep but the quality as well. Ask anyone who needed to prepare for a big exam but rather went to bed early to get a good night’s rest. Ten to one they probably ended up have a very shallow sleep and woke up just as tired as if they had pulled an all-nighter. Practicing good sleep hygiene like decreasing your screen time leading up to bedtime and not having caffeine 5 hours before bed, can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Staying in a good cycle by keeping the same bedtime routine even on weekends and holidays, is also a good way of maintaining good sleep habits.
Tip number Four: Join a gym
Yes, I know, a gym telling you to join the gym may be seen as marketing skit but there can be benefits to joining a gym. There is access to a large variety of different types of exercise equipment, exercises classes and facilities that you would not have access to from home, along with the professional and qualified staff to help guide you in your training. And let’s be serious, there is nothing better to hold you accountable then seeing that monthly debit order running.
Tip number five: Eat more Wholefoods
Now you may ask what are wholefoods? They are your vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, think very little processed and as fresh as can be. These foods are packed with nutrients that your body needs for optimal functioning. The easiest way to start incorporating them in your diet is by adding one cup of your favourite vegetables to each of your meals.
So, with these few simple and helpful tips you will be well on your way to crushing your goals, living a healthier lifestyle and being the best version of YOU in 2022.
