Another year, another … resolution? Your health and wellness is not a resolution, it’s a lifelong journey you must commit to. Many people start the new year with good intentions to accomplish certain goals, only to then set their goals aside when life gets busy. This year is about making realistic and individualized goals that will fit with your lifestyle. You don’t need to follow every new diet that is created or listen to every new “wellness thing” you see in the media. It’s time to stop following and be the leader of yourself.
Changing behaviors is hard work and It takes a lot of time and effort, but it is doable if you put your mind to it! Remember, we want to flourish all year long and that can only happen if you commit. A new year is a great opportunity to start off fresh. No matter where you are in your wellness journey, there is always something you can improve.
If you struggled with accomplishing your goals in 2021, consider these tips to help you get started on making your plan for a healthier 2022.
1. Get moving
Exercise does a lot of amazing things for our bodies. Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym if you don’t want to. There are tons of activities out there you can try out including dance, barre, boxing, and more. Now that most of us are at home, you can try home exercises too. Do your research and try out an online work-out that you like. Find activities that are enjoyable, rewarding, and achievable. Let exercise be something you want to do rather than something you have to do.
2. Adding more plant-based foods
How does your diet currently look like? It’s time to add more whole foods to your eating routine. Go for fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and seeds. Add more to your eating routine. For example, add beans to a soup, veggies into your eggs, or fruit into your yogurt…you get it! This will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals needed to flourish.
3. Manage your time
How do you manage your time? Time management can be a struggle. Between work, business, children, or whatever you have going on in your personal life, it can be a struggle to keep it all together. Time management requires discipline and planning. If it’s done right, it will make your days more productive and lower your stress level which we could all use. Make a schedule and organize your days in advance, this can be a great first step.
4. Set realistic goals
Set realistic goals and draft out a plan of how you will get there. Studies show that people who set realistic goals are more likely to achieve them. Focus on 1-2 goals at a time, and pace yourself. Find ways to stay motivated and always keep a positive attitude. Write down your goals, track your progress, and congratulate yourself for all your wins, big and small.
5. More self-care
How are you taking care of yourself? You need some loving too. Practicing self-care is a way to give yourself a chance to take a step back and breathe. Life gets crazy and burnouts are no fun, which is why you need a moment to recollect and enjoy some “me” time. Prioritize yourself in your daily routine to keep your mind, body, and soul at ease.
6. Tune in to your body
Are you really, truly in tune with…YOU? When you are mindful, you are more conscious and aware of what is going on in your body and environment. Take a deep breath, get to a quiet space, and be more present. A few ways to practice mindfulness include stretching, journaling, listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and deep breathing. It’s time to find out what makes you feel more in tune with your body.
7. Schedule a doctor’s visit
Going to the doctor is a great way for you to assess your overall health on a personalized level. Schedule a visit with your primary care provider and request to have your labs drawn to best understand what you need! They will determine which lab tests you need. This can help detect deficiencies or other health concerns that you wouldn’t otherwise know and it gives you the opportunity to address them properly!
8. Get enough sleep
Prioritizing sleep is one of the best you can do for your health. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep (when you can..we know the struggle) can help keep hormones in balance, reduce stress levels, and overall leave you feeling more energized!
Which one will YOU work on?