The start of the year comes with new energy and refreshed plans on living better and being healthy. Unfortunately, the new year, new me high tends to quickly fizz outcome February and youβre left feeling disappointed and demotivated.
Thankfully, there are resolutions that arenβt daunting but effective in helping you maintain your health throughout the year. So if youβre looking to prioritize your health and wellness in 2019, read on for easy habits you can quickly adopt for a better you.
Healthy Habits For 2019
Healthy Habit #1: Drink plenty of water
If youβre looking to protect your health in 2019, hydration is key.
Drinking enough water a day can help with detoxing, digestion, metabolism, weight management, clearer skin, and a stronger immune system. Not doing so can lead to dehydration which increases the risk of organ failure. Try to start every morning with a cup of warm water, with lemon for added flavor.
Healthy Habit #2: Stretch it out every day
Not only is stretching an underrated part of your exercise routine, but itβs also an underrated part of your day.
Come morning, stretching provides you with an energy boost as well as increased flexibility, stress-relief, and improved functionality.
Healthy Habit #3: Walk this way
Weβd all like to make exercise a priority, yet not all of us have the time to go to the gym. However, walking is the most underrated, effective form of exercise out there.
According to one study, making sure to walk at least 30 minutes a day can help to protect heart health by reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. By keeping your body active, youβll be improving digestion. Moreover, youβre also increasing your energy, reducing stress and stimulating circulation.
Healthy Habit #4: Get some sunshine
While practicing effective sun-protection, getting enough sunlight helps to fight depression, protects you from melanoma and be an effective source of vitamin D.
Healthy Habit #5: Visit nature
Engaging in green spaces, be it lakes or nearby parks, has been linked to a wide number of health benefits.
By immersing yourself in nature, youβll be boosting your health. Green, natural spaces can help alleviate respiratory problems, lower the risk of depression and boost your immune system.
Healthy Habit #6: Start meal prepping
Meal prepping allows you to have total control over the foods that you consume, which can benefit your health.
Aside from saving money, by planning out your meals and snacks, youβll avoid any temptations from the latest fast-food franchise. Youβll also have a say in how much sugar, salt, and fats are present in your meal and youβll also be able to include more fresh ingredients. Through meal prepping, youβll ensure that your diet stays healthy and that your waist stays a little slimmer.
Healthy Habit #7: Start taking probiotics.
With emerging studies continuing to identify the importance of our gut and general health, itβs important to keep the former as healthy as possible.
The gut consists of over 80% good bacteria, with the rest being bad bacteria. This balance needs to be maintained if we want to stay healthy. Unfortunately, the wrong foods, illnesses, alcohol, and medication can throw this balance out of whack. Thankfully, probiotics can help to maintain healthy bacteria in our gut. Aside from probiotic supplements, you can also indulge in fermented foods. These foods are rich in probiotics, and they include yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh.
Healthy Habit #8: Get more sleep
Thereβs no other way to say it – sleep is vital to overall health and lack of it can take quite the toll on your well-being.
Lack of sleep can affect mental health, heart health, and immune health. If youβre struggling to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, try arranging your bedroom to better help you rest, or you can even invest in a few bedroom plants.
Healthy Habit #9: Disconnect from the screen
We live in the age of technology, so it would be highly impossible to avoid some form of tech- be it at school, at work, at your home or even at the grocery store.
Unfortunately, the incessant need to constantly be online can take a serious toll on, not just your eyes, but your emotional health as well as your perception of the world. Viewing tweets and comparing posts can leave you bitter, cynical and incredibly self-conscious.
To avoid this, step away from the screen a few times during the day as well as an hour before bed. By not performing the latter, youβre risking the quality of your sleep. Catch up on a good book (paperback, not electronic) or enjoy a board-game with your entire family.
Healthy Habit #10: Better prioritize
If you want to be more productive but ease stress this year, itβs important to learn how to prioritize.
Compile a list of tasks you need to complete and start practicing good time management. This can boost productivity and leave you better organized. It is also important to learn how to say no if you feel that you are unable to cope.
Healthy Habit #11: Reduce stress
By identifying stress triggers, you’ll be better equipped to alleviate your stress levels.
Once you have done this and eliminated said stressors, you can also find other ways to alleviate your stress. This includes listening to music, working out, finding a creative outlet or even chewing gum.
Healthy Habit #12: Enjoy me-time
As invested as we can get in our jobs, our homes, our relationships, and our children – it is important to also make ourselves a priority.
By listening to your bodyβs needs, you will be able to help keep it healthy and well-rested. Treat yourself to a massage, a good book, your favorite Netflix show or even a few minutes of meditation.
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