With each New Year comes a few resolutions, but most of the time we aren’t able to follow through.
We see these resolutions as a chance to set goals to better ourselves, our lives and our habits. New Year is a chance to start a new chapter on a new page. This year, take the opportunity to ensure that your New Year’s resolutions are beneficial to your health.
Here are 10 healthy New Year’s resolutions according to Health.com:
1. Lose weight
This is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but very few people manage to stick to it. The secret is to keep a journal of what you eat and to have a support system to help you reach your goals.
2. Time to reconnect with old friends and family
Research shows that people with strong social ties live longer than those who don’t have them. With Facebook, it’s easier than ever to get in touch with old friends and initiate face-to-face get-togethers. It can be refreshing to find out how old pals are doing when looking after your own well-being.
3. Put out that cigarette
It’s easier said than done, but if you have failed time and time again to quit smoking, don’t be afraid to try again, especially during the time of new beginnings. Try to find the perfect method that works for you. Multiple attempts are often the path to success.
4. Save money
There are lots of ways to save money. Carpool, walk or ride your bicycle to work instead of driving. Work out at home instead of going to the gym and regularly take stock of what you have in the fridge rather than aimlessly going shopping.
5. Cut stress from your life
Relax, sleep, socialise, and take vacations when they’re due. According to Roberta Lee, MD, an integrative medicine specialist at Beth Israel Medical Centre in New York City, and the author of The Super Stress Solution, long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress.
6. Help others
The beginning of a new year can be the perfect time to reach out and lend a helping hand. Volunteering increases happiness. Happiness is good for your health, so you benefit too at the end of the day.
7. Go back to school
No one is ever too old to learn. No matter how old you are, heading back to the classroom, even night school, can help revamp your career, introduce you to new friends and even boost your brainpower.
8. Say no to alcohol
Alcohol is almost synonymous with New Year, but you might want to consider cutting it out of your diet. Even though a small amount of alcohol offers health benefits, too much alcohol can cause the opposite. Drinking alcohol in excess can have many negative effects on the brain.
9. Get more sleep
Sleep is more beneficial to your health than you might think, as it is crucial for the strengthening of memories. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. If you can’t sleep in every day, try going to bed earlier.
10. Holidays are more important than you think
The secret to a stress-free, healthy life is knowing when to rest. The rewards and pleasure of a vacation can last long after the vacation itself. Every day is a routine, but when you take a vacation, you have a chance to experience change, which can be revitalising.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!