Whenever a new year approaches, it’s time to think about ways to improve your life and your health.
From major changes to minor tweaks, there are plenty of things you can do this year and every year moving forward that will help you stay healthy.
Read on for a list of 7 health habits that will make you look and feel your best throughout the coming year and beyond.
1. Drink More Water
From coffee to soda, many people simply don’t get enough water throughout the day. Drinking adequate water can help give you energy, improve your metabolism, and may even help you get clearer, younger-looking skin. When your body is dehydrated, you can feel a myriad of unpleasant side effects.
Aim for at least eight full glasses of water per day. Start off by drinking a glass of water before bedtime, and another when you wake up. If you’re not a fan of plain water, add a few squeezes of fresh lemon to make it taste a bit more palatable.
2. Adequate Sleep is Key For a Healthy Life
When you enter into a state of a deep sleep, your body and brain begin to repair themselves. Without proper sleep, you’ll feel sluggish, grumpy, and probably really hungry. Sleeping heals the body and it’s essential for a healthy lifestyle.
The average adult needs at least seven hours of sleep or more per night whenever possible. Getting great sleep will improve your mood, your overall health, and your ability to be productive throughout the day. Improper sleep can also cause weight gain since it’s been known to increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can help you pack on the pounds.
3. Avoid Fast Food and Restaurants When Possible
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a delicious restaurant meal with a date or some friends. If you’re doing this on a regular basis, however, it can start to hurt your health and your wallet.
Home-cooked meals are generally healthier and involve more fresh ingredients than the standard restaurant uses. You’ll also get more control over the things you eat when you cook everything at home. Learn some new, healthy recipes for the new year and get cooking!
4. Being Grateful is One of the Essential 7 Health Habits
Your body needs to be cared for, but so does your state of mind. If you really want to be healthier, it’s time to adopt an attitude of gratitude. From your home to your family, there are plenty of things to be thankful for every single day.
Spend at least a few minutes each day focusing on the things you’re grateful for. Start a journal or make a list of the things you’re thankful for so you can keep things in a positive perspective. Fostering a daily sense of gratefulness will do wonders for your state of mind and your general sense of well-being.
5. Enjoy More Fruits and Veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide your body with a myriad of nutrients that can help you stay healthy. Of the 7 health habits that seem to be the most difficult, getting more fresh fruits and vegetables tends to be on the list. Even if you’re not a fan of fruits and vegetables, it’s easy to get more into your diet with some easy changes.
For fruits, you can easily toss some fresh berries on your cereal, oatmeal, or in a smoothie. Swap out side dishes like french fries for a salad to help you incorporate more vegetables into your diet. These simple and easy updates will become a habit that gives you benefits to last a lifetime.
6. Try Something New
The daily routine can make life feel mundane, and this can start to wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Change things up and try a new hobby, sport, or other activity to stimulate your body and mind.
You don’t have to get into extreme sports or do something that’s completely out character. However, a fun new skill like painting or ceramics will help you tap into your creative side and possibly make some new friends in the process. Whether it’s taking a yoga class or starting to hike the nature trails every weekend, add something new to your routine to make life exciting and new.
7. Move More
It’s pretty obvious that getting exercise can make you healthy in more ways than one. If you consider yourself sedentary, start to move more this year even if it’s just by a small amount. Begin slowly and work your way toward more vigorous exercise as you get stronger.
You can take up a new exercise that’s easy to do, like walking with a friend before work in the morning. Try a standing desk at work when possible so you’re moving more. Anything you can do to get your body to move will help keep your muscles strong and your body more resistant to illness and other health-related issues later down the road.
Try These Lifestyle Habits for Good Health
You can adopt one or all of these 7 health habits this year for a new, healthier you. Whether you love to exercise or you enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, a few simple changes can do wonders for your body and mind.
Try a new hobby or get outside in nature more to improve your sense of well-being. Drink plenty of water, get ample sleep, and make sure you remember the things you can be grateful for every single day.
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