As we approach 2024, you might be thinking of New Year's Resolutions. While I certainly believe that any time of year is a great time to make improvements to your health, sometimes the New Year can be a good mental reset for working on your health and wellness. During the holidays, we also might overindulge (myself included!), so January can be a great reset month to work on and develop healthy habits.
Here are 20 health and wellness resolutions:
Dry January: The holidays can be a time of overindulgence with eating and drinking. January is a great month to take a break from alcohol. There are numerous health benefits to decreasing alcohol consumption.
Focus on diet: By this I mean focus on the foods you are eating. There are a lot of fad diets out there, and some of them may work for some people. It's important to focus on eating whole foods and reducing processed food as much as possible. The Mediterranean diet is a great option for overall health, but speak with your physician about any specific dietary needs you may have.
Exercise every day: Physical inactivity is a major contributor to poor health. Try to incorporate some form of exercise each day, even if it's just a 15 minute walk or quick yoga session.
Reduce stress: Much easier said than done, but stress can cause a lot of health problems. Finding a way to de-stress after a busy day is important for overall health and wellness.
Get outside: Getting fresh air and connecting with nature is so important for our physical and mental health. When the weather permits, try to go for a walk outside. I also love to go for bike rides.
Prioritize sleep: Again, easier said than done. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep.
Cook meals at home: This is a great way to start eating healthier and can also save money. Set aside certain nights to cook meals and batch cook. Include your partner and/or kids too. Here are 10 healthy and simple meals to try.
Cut back on processed sugar: Processed sugar can increase inflammation in our bodies, which can cause numerous health issues. Start cutting back on it and you may notice some health improvements almost immediately!
Incorporate self care: Here are some ideas to get started on self care.
Drink more water: Swap out that sugary drink with a glass of water! Add lemon, cucumber, or oranges to give it some more taste.
Focus on preventative health measures: Don't skip your annual check up with your primary care physician. Preventing disease and catching problems early is critical to living a long and healthy life.
Incorporate anti-aging measures into your routine: Skincare, eating healthy, exercising, drinking enough water, supplementing where necessary are all important aspects of anti-aging. Learn more about our longevity tests available at TCIM.
Organize your home: Having a cluttered home and workspace can increase stress levels. Take some time to organzie things so they make sense for you.
Minimize screen time: I try to do a digital detox for a period of time in the evening and on the wekeends. While being connected all the time is great, it's important to also take a break from all the screens.
Try meditation: Meditating is a great way to relax and focus yourself. You can do it anywhere and at any time. Even if you only have a few minutes. There are plenty off apps available for guided meditation. Find what works for you.
Set realistic goals and checkpoints: Trying to change your whole life overnight is just not realistic and setting yourself up to feel disappointed and frustrated. Plan some checkpoints for yourself on your health and wellness journey to show your progress, and make sure to congratulate yourself!
Take up a new hobby: Join a book club, start crocheting, volunteer, find a meet up in your city. Hobbies are wonderful ways to shift your focus away from other stressful aspects of life. It can also be a great way to make friends.
Use better for you household products: Gradually switch to non-toxic products. I'm not suggesting to throw out all your cleaning products and makeup, but when it's time to purchase something look for a better alternative. EWG Skin Deep is a great resource.
Schedule your initial consultation with me at TCIM: We will go over your health history and concerns in-depth. It's time to get healthy!