Healthy New Year Resolutions

Most people begin creating new resolutions at the end of the past year and into the beginning of a new year. Well, it’s mid-January now and time to make claim on those promises that you want to change for yourself. Here are the most common healthy new year resolutions people should strive to make a difference in their lives, and for years to come. Some are more obvious than others, but each have a valid case. Each one can help keep a person feeling better about themselves and improve their wellbeing.

Exercise

It doesn’t matter your age; everyone needs a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and fit for the new year. In fact, there are many benefits for staying physically active. When you exercise, your body not only helps build strong bones and muscles, but it also has the power to alleviate stress and reduce depressive thoughts. When you exercise, your body can also improve balance and prevent falls from occurring, which is important for older adults or those who are disabled.  Exercising may also decrease the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. For those who are new to exercising, starting with low-impact activities are a good way to begin. Biking, walking, tai chi, and even water aerobics are great options for many beginners. Create an exercise goal for each week. This will help you stay on track and build motivation.

Get Enough Sleep

The average person should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. This will help build a better immune system and can also improve memory and concentration. Some people, especially older adults, have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Some experience insomnia, as a result. However, there are ways to combat sleeping disorders. Here are some suggestions:

• Avoid using your television, cell phone, and/or computer in your bedroom. These are distractions.
• Keep your bedroom cool, comfortable, and quiet.
• Stay active during the day. Tire yourself out!
• Don’t drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in the evening.
• Stay on track and stick to a schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Check with your physician to see if any of your medications or medical conditions are affecting your sleep.

Eat Healthy and Hydrate Yourself

Creating a healthy diet as a new year resolution is also a good goal to keep. No matter how old you are, staying hydrated and eating well can ward off many illnesses and allow your body to heal better. Consuming healthy fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and whole grains can keep you lean and active throughout the year. Adults should avoid fatty meats, sugar, salt, and pre-packaged meals, which tend to be high in sodium. Eating well can also prevent chronic diseases and illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Travel with a bottle of water whenever you go out and refill it often.

Stay Socially Active

There’s an old saying that loneliness is a silent killer. Being a hermit crab can affect your mental health and bring your self-esteem down. It’s true that not everyone is a social butterfly. However, you don’t have to be one to socialize with close friends and family. One way is by getting out of the house and going to your favorite coffee shop instead of making coffee at home. Try doing this at least once a week. Communicate with others about simple things, like the weather or community events in your neighborhood. You can also join activity clubs to help keep you interacting with others.

Practice Brain exercises

One of the common new year resolutions for adults are doing brain games. Staying physically fit is not the only way to stay healthy. People need to be mentally fit as well. As we get older, our brains are getting older as well. Doing simple brain games can sharpen your mind and help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Games such as crossword puzzles, card games, and sudoku are common among older adults; however, you don’t have to be in your 50s to play these. Even young adults can find these mind games helpful and keep their mind healthy and active. These activities will help ward off mental decline as well. Activities such as reading, writing, or simply trying a new hobby are also great ways to keep your brain active.

Avoid Bad Habits

One of the most common new year’s resolutions is quitting smoking and/or drinking. Continuing with these habits can cause serious health concerns and issues to develop. One common reaction is cancer. Other common illnesses related to smoking or drinking are high blood pressure, liver disease, and heart disease. Avoiding these bad habits can improve your health and wellbeing dramatically. It’s never too late to quit bad habits; however, if you need help, there are many support programs that can help you get started. Talk to your doctor to help get you connected with the right one. Having a strong support system with close family and friends is also helpful.

Creating a Meaningful Purpose in your Life

Another new year resolutions common among adults is creating a meaningful life with a purpose. As each year that passes by, many adults feel weighed down, like they’re just going through the motions of everyday life. One way to make your life full of purpose is by making healthy goals. Yes, physical health is necessary for a healthy life; however, keeping your mental health in check is just as important. There are many ways to make your life full of meaning. One way is by creating a gratitude journal. Jot down things you have been grateful for over the past year. I also encourage you to write in it at least once a week, or whenever you feel grateful about something that has occurred throughout the day.

Another way to give your life a purpose is by surrounding yourself with optimistic people. You can also find purpose by joining a group or organization to help others. Volunteering can also bring meaning to your life. Whichever you choose to do will heighten your thinking and provide a worthy purpose in your life for years to come. It will also lower your stress levels and bring peace of mind.