It’s the beginning of a brand new year, and talk of resolutions and fresh adventures is all around us. The Washington Post, reflecting on the idea of improvement, put together a list of five easy ways to be healthier this year.
They identified five key areas of health and put together a simple checklist for you to feel better and more energised this year.
Here is the list:
1. Pick a month for medical maintenance
The Washington Post presents the clever idea of scheduling all of your annual appointments and check-ups you need for your birthday month.
This helps make it easier to build an annual habit and also helps you remember the last time you went for your required check-ups.
2. Set a regular bedtime
This is something that benefits everyone. Our sleep patterns dictate a lot of our every-day lives. So, prioritising sleep is a small habit that can have a significant impact on us.
It has also been proven that getting a better night’s sleep can improve a number of issues, including heart health, weight gain and emotional issues.
A useful tip is to stop setting your alarm for a few days and see how late you sleep. If you consistently wake up past the time your alarm is usually set, your body is telling you that you need more sleep.
3. Notice your sedentary behaviours
The word “sedentary” refers to being inactive. So, try to notice when you’ve been sitting for a while. This strategy helps, especially if you’re struggling to start an exercise habit.
When you realise you’ve been sitting for a while, you don’t need to go to the gym or do intense exercise. You can do some housework, do 10 reps of one exercise or take your dog for a walk.
4. Give time to your relationships
Relationships are a crucial part of our lives and are an unavoidable key area. Various studies have shown that strong relationships keep us healthy, especially as we age.
A good thing to focus on is prioritising socialising. They don’t have to be big, exhausting events. But make sure you are making time for the people in your life. It will benefit you both.
5. Add more variety to your diet
Diet culture can often be problematic, and deciding to “eat healthily” can become a rather stressful resolution. Instead, it is useful to take the approach of “making your own diet”.
Scientists have found that having a diverse diet creates a diverse gut microbiome. This means that the microbes in your intestines, which play a crucial role in your health, are better equipped to maintain your physical wellbeing.
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