After the festive season, many of us aim for positive changes and will jot down resolutions to make our lives better in some way. However, the challenge is finding realistic practices for a balanced life, as overly strict measures can lead to deprivation and things quickly returning to how they were. Here are some worth making, and how to go about them.
Prioritize Health
Aiming to live a more healthy life is something that most people who set new years resolutions will have jotted down on their list. We all know the importance of good health, and after up to a month of indulging, eating, drinking alcohol and too many late nights over Christmas, most of us are ready for positive change and routine again.
The issue that can crop up is that people can be too strict with themselves. They put themselves on a really restrictive diet that makes them feel hungry and miserable. They go to the gym, go running or do other exercises every day to try and improve their fitness without any real love or passion for it. So of course, a few weeks down the line, things start falling by the wayside. It’s so important to make lifestyle changes that can last.
Instead of completely cutting out everything you like out of your diet, practice moderation. Enjoy lots of fruits, veggies and healthy homecooked meals with a small bit of something sweet afterwards. This can easily be worked into your macros to live a healthy balanced life and is something that can be maintained for a long time.
Exercise
When it comes to exercise, if running in the rain at 6am before work or hitting a packed gym isn’t for you (and who could blame you!) look for other activities instead. Walking, dancing, swimming, roller blading, trampolining lessons- you name it, anything that gets your heart rate up will be doing you good. Find something fun, rope in a friend or family member to join you if you can to spur each other on. Getting some gym equipment to use at home can be a smart move too, that way you always have the option to workout even if you can’t get to your workout class or the weather is too bad to exercise outside. Something like the TITAN Series olympic deadlift barbell with some weights is good for strength training, with a cross trainer or treadmill to cover your cardio.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting sufficient sleep really is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. Studies recommend around 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and while life happens and it’s not always possible with kids, busy lives and busy jobs, always do your best to prioritise sleep. Establishing a bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm shower, and ensuring your sleep environment is comfortable can greatly contribute to better sleep quality. This small adjustment doesn’t require much effort but pays off in improved energy levels, mood, and your overall daily performance.
Stay Hydrated
Water is easily overlooked as something needed for good health, but it’s essential for staying alert, maintaining healthy skin and ensureing proper functioning of all of your internal systems. Get yourself a big water bottle that you enjoy using and aim to refill it a certain number of times each day. Staying hydrated is an easy yet impactful resolution for the New Year- your body will thank you for the increased energy and vitality that come with proper hydration.
Socialize More
Spending time with people you care about is a powerful resolution for the New Year. Studies show that staying connected with friends and family is super important for feeling good and keeping your mental health in check. As humans we’re social creatures, but our modern lifestyles dont always allow for it. We live in smaller family units than we once did, with more people than ever now living alone and working from home. These scenarios can cause isolation.
With the cost of living crisis, many of us are having to work more hours to make ends meet. This leaves less time for socialisation. But aim to make it a priority, if you can get something in your diary regularly where you’re meeting friends and family this can keep bonds strong and give you a sense of belonging and support. Make it a goal to hang out with loved ones more, join a club, or just reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Little efforts to connect can make a big difference in your happiness and how you handle things.
Read More
Deciding to read more is an easy and rewarding resolution. Reading gives you new knowledge, helps your brain and can lower stress. If you can switch out your scrolling habit for picking up a book instead you’ll do wonders for yourself. It engages your mind and works areas of your brain in a way that scrolling on social media doesnt. Scrolling has been shown to increase stress and make mental health worse, whereas reading does the opposite.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Trying new things is a cool resolution that helps you grow as a person. It doesn’t have to be something big; even small changes to your routine can make a real difference. Maybe try a new hobby, learn something new, or take on a new job. Taking these little steps can boost your confidence.
Practice Gratitude
Take a moment each day to think about things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as jotting down a few good things in a gratitude journal. Doing this helps you focus on the positive stuff in life, making you feel happier.
Manage Stress Effectively
Stress is an unpleasant emotion, but it’s well and truly part of the human condition. It’s something we will all experience from time to time. The issue arises when we become unable to cope with stress. It spirals and starts having an impact on our daily lives. Find ways to deal with stress that work for you. It could be taking a few deep breaths, trying meditation, or doing things that help you relax. If you’ve felt stressed, depressed or anxious for a long time then speaking with your GP could be a resolution well worth making in the new year and getting things sorted. Managing stress is important for both your mental and physical health.
Will you be implementing one of these positive changes in the coming New Year?