A resolution that should top the list should be to better your health. For everything else to function, your health should be a priority by all means.
2018 should start on a clean slate in terms of lifestyle and specifically health. As easy as it is to indulge our desires, it is also possible to adopt and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Exaggerated goals for health are not only hard to keep, the lack of results can de-motivate you. Getting unhealthy was not a one-day process and thus, getting permanently healthier requires time and subtle habitual changes.
As we adopt this healthier lifestyle, here are some easy tips to follow that are sure to jump start your journey;
Make water your best friend.
Drinking one tall glass of lukewarm water in the morning on an empty stomach, right after you wake up, works like magic from day one. Improved digestion, better weight loss results, clearer skin, body detox, better energy levels and reduced cravings for caffeine are just some of the health benefits of this easy act. You can choose to add a dash of lemon with a teaspoon of honey to make things interesting; this also leads to some belly-fat burning.
Wake up an hour earlier than usual
Morning is the most productive period of the day and even if you aren’t a morning person, one extra hour in the morning keeps you fresh and energetic later on. Wake up half an hour earlier than you normally do and then work your way to an acceptable wake-up time.
During this extra hour, have your breakfast slowly rather than gobbling it down, plan your day, do some aerobics and stretching. You can skip, do at least ten squats, 30 sit-ups for starters and then stretch. This will go a long way in keeping you fit.
That extra time will help you take on the rest of the day with double your normal energy levels.
Prefer walking and stairs
Don’t waste this great weather. Hop off the bus before your usual stop, walk to the supermarket, walk everywhere. When the weather gets warmer, evening walks are the solution. Walking is very important as it Improves circulation, manages weight, improves your metabolic rate and digestion. Walk for at least 30 minutes a day.
You should also arrive a bit earlier at work, take the stairs instead of the lift. You will feel refreshed and also arrive just in time for the 9 o’clock meeting. With a good deodorant, you don’t have to worry about sweat.
Soothing music to sleep well
Going to sleep at night is getting harder for most of us because of stress levels, improper sleep patterns and lack of exercise. While it is difficult to tackle all of these, some soothing music will do the trick. After a long day, when you get home, first thing should be to take a shower. When you eat your fruit and dinner, put on some soothing music as you lay on your bed. It will work magic in soothing your mind, putting it at ease as sleep gets to you. Your stress levels also reduce as you adopt this good habit.
Have detox weekends
Detoxing is the process of removing toxic substances. It is both psychological and physiological. Plan for a detox weekend once a month where you concentrate on cleansing your mind and body inside out. Wake up early and do some meditation, write out your fears and animosities, declutter your home, eat healthy food and concentrate on detoxifying drinks and fluids preferably water. This will not only get rid of unwanted toxins, it will also clear your mind of any stress. Notice how your Monday’s are all of a sudden free of blues.
Say NO to diet soda
Avoiding soda, carbonated drinks and even diet soda all together can make a huge positive health impact. At worst drink no more than one soda a week. Diet sodas are not better than normal soda in any way and increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes significantly. Zero calories should not come at the cost of drinking a chemical cocktail which without question, will make you gain even more weight by disrupting your metabolic patterns.
Go for regular check-ups
Whether you are 25 years old or 65, have a complete check-up at least twice a year. Other than the prescribed tests, check your cholesterol, vitamin and mineral levels, fat percentage, BMI and other general health factors. Women should conduct a breast cancer check at least once a year, which is usually offered for free in October at many health outlets. Men should do the same for testicular cancer.
Strive to be happy
Happiness is more of a choice than a situation. Strive to be happy with life and what the world gives you. A few times in the year, do things you love; be it ice skating, camping or even mountain climbing. Happiness increases life, not just by increasing your time on earth but by increasing what you can contribute or receive from life in the time that you have