Starting a new year means having new goals. Such goals can be aimed at personal growth, professional development, better health, and other life aspects. The most common new year’s resolution of 2023 falls into one of these aspects: exercising more. In fact, America’s top three resolutions are to exercise more, eat healthier, and lose weight, as many people want better wellness.
If you’re one of these people, here are a few ways to achieve this goal.
Enjoy food in a mindful way
Eating is an extremely enjoyable activity—just think of all the flavors you get by eating favorites like burgers, pasta, and pizza. That said, you may be glad to find out that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to reach your wellness goals this year. Indulging in them is fine as long as you eat mindfully. Still, this doesn’t mean tracking every calorie. Instead, you can take inspiration from an effective weight loss plan by curating your meals with nutritious food alongside your favorites.
One way to achieve this is by ensuring your meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—have all the food groups. One lunch meal example is a salad for vegetables, pasta for whole grains, and chicken for protein. A heightened awareness of your food consumption ensures you consume the proper nutrients to fuel your body while still enjoying each meal.
Make room for regular exercise
Working out is a vital component of wellness. It burns extra calories, helping you stay fit and avoid weight gain. Exercise also improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to different areas of your body. Finally, it fights cardiovascular diseases. Working out boosts high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which absorbs bad cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver.
You can start working out regularly this year by developing a routine. A great exercise routine involves working out for 30 to 45 minutes daily. Some activities you can do include jogging, weight-lifting, and cycling. Other options are yoga, pilates, and even dancing. If you can’t complete at least half an hour of working out, you can start out with simple and shorter routines like a 20-minute walk and build your way up over time. This way, you can form healthy fitness habits for your overall wellness.
Pay attention to your hydration levels
Some people think exercising or having a healthy diet is more important for their wellness than hydration. However, drinking water plays a vital role in managing your body weight when consumed as a substitute for soda or sugary drinks. Water has no calories, so you reduce calorie intake while satisfying your thirst. Proper hydration also helps maintain optimal bodily functions by eliminating toxins through perspiration, urination, and bowel movement.
That said, drinking the recommended eight glasses of water daily is essential. To encourage yourself to drink water frequently, try to always have a water jug with you and refill it throughout the day. You can even add slices of lemon, lime, or strawberry to give your water a different taste.
Protect your mental health
Mental health is an integral part of your overall wellness. Good mental well-being helps you cope better with difficult times like losing a job or going through a breakup. Additionally, it prevents mental health issues associated with physical health complications. For example, proper stress management decreases your risk of developing heart disease.
Protect your mental health by setting boundaries. This can mean saying “no” to gatherings you don’t feel comfortable attending, not accepting phone calls after work hours, or avoiding interacting with people who have hurt you. Another is to find a healthy coping mechanism. Instead of turning to vices when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, you can dance, make art, or journal your feelings. By guarding your mental well-being, you’ll better cope with problems while protecting your overall health.
Improving your wellness leads to a longer and more enjoyable life where you can continue doing the things you love. Follow these tips for a healthier you this 2023!
Thanks for reading!
