Every year, countless people make resolutions to improve their health. However, only a small percentage of those resolutions are kept.
Instead of making these resolutions unsustainable, try to create wellness goals that are easy to maintain. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy. It improves your physical and mental health, reduces your risk of serious medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and can even boost your life expectancy.
In addition, it can increase your energy levels and help you sleep better. And it’s also a good way to boost your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
It’s best to get started with a small amount of activity and work up from there. It takes two to six weeks to develop a routine, so stick with it!
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating the right amount of healthy foods and keeping a balanced weight can help you prevent health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers.
A healthy diet should include a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. You should also limit your intake of fatty foods and added sugars.
Choose whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals instead of refined grains like white flour. Look for “100 percent whole wheat” labels to ensure that you’re getting the nutrition your body needs.
Avoid foods that are high in calories, fat, or added sugars such as fried chicken, French fries, and chocolate. Balance these foods with healthier options such as grilled chicken or a salad topped with grilled vegetables.
3. Get enough sleep
Sleep is one of the pillars of wellness, and it’s important to make sure you get enough every night. Getting too little can have serious effects on your health, including high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and stroke.
A lack of sleep can also negatively impact your mental and emotional health, causing you to have mood swings and paranoia. In some cases, sleep deprivation can even lead to hallucinations.
The amount of sleep you need depends on your age, but most adults need between seven and nine hours per night. If you’re not able to get enough sleep, see your doctor to address any chronic physical or mental health problems that may be disrupting your sleep.
4. Manage your stress
Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from the smallest to the most serious. But stress doesn’t have to rule your life if you learn to manage it well.
The best way to deal with stress is to recognize when you are feeling it and find healthy ways to handle it. Some people need a professional counselor or therapist to help them identify sources of their stress and learn new coping tools.
You may also need to cut out things that contribute to stress, like alcohol or smoking. These substances temporarily relieve stress but have negative health impacts and can make it worse in the long run.
5. Take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is important for your overall wellness. It helps you manage stress and deal with difficult situations so you can get through your day more easily.
It also helps you have a happier, healthier lifestyle. It’s easy to overlook the importance of your mental health in favor of the physical.
But just as your body needs good nutrition, exercise and sleep to be healthy, your mind also benefits from the same care.
This means you should make time for self-care, whether that’s regular therapy sessions, daily exercise or an outdoor walk. It doesn’t have to be huge or difficult, just something that feels attainable and realistic for you.