The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect and reset some of the habits that you may have been struggling with. While traditional resolutions may be hard to keep because many of them are proclaimed as absolutes, goal setting and focusing on making changes to our habits over a period of time is a lot more reasonable (and easier to maintain).
They say it takes 20 days to form a habit, so if you’re ready to switch up how you do things, here are 5 healthy habits to bring into the new year that anyone can do.
Move Your Body
While working out more is a habit that many people try to pick up at the start of the new year, it can be a struggle to maintain because we go overboard out the gate. We try to make going to the gym 5 days a week for hours at a time a thing, when it’s honestly not realistic for most people’s schedules or lifestyles. An easier approach is to focus on (intentionally) moving your body at least 30 minutes a few days a week. If you have time to go to the gym, AWESOME! If not, try going for a walk around your neighborhood after work or on your lunch break, or even having a solo dance party in your living room when you wake up. Whatever you want to do, just do enough to get your heart rate up and pumping!
Up Your Water Intake
Not everyone loves water, but staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy and feeling good. So many ailments stem from being dehydrated (fatigue, headaches, hunger, dry skin, etc.), so getting enough water daily is imperative to having good health. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to drink more water, try having a glass in the morning before that first sip of coffee, and also add more foods that are water-rich to your diet (watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, bell peppers and celery are just a few).
Schedule Quality Time With Friends
Everyone is busy and wrapped up in our own little words, but it’s good to take time here and there and spend some quality time with close friends. Whether it’s a full blown meet-up for drinks and dinner, or a quick break to get your nails done, try to schedule in some dedicated quality time with those that you hold close to your heart. Your soul needs it.
Limit Your Screen Time
It’s pretty amazing how much you can get accomplished when you limit how much you scroll. Being online is such a big part of our lives, but it can get in the way of relationships, work, and even affect our mental health when we spend too much time consuming data and content. Even if it’s only 30 minutes a day, try to pull back from being glued to your phone. Replace that time with reading a book, playing a game, going outside, or just having a conversation with someone without being distracted.
Get More Sleep
FOMO is real, so staying up late because we unconsciously think we might miss something is a habit that so many of us have. In return, however, many of us are also walking around drained and perpetually tired. 7+ hours of sleep a day is recommended for adults, so if you haven’t been getting that, nows the time to change that habit. 1-2 hours before bedtime, put down all phones and computer, stretch or meditate, and prepare yourself for bed. Some people like to shower and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea as well. It may take a moment to get used to this night routine, but after awhile, your body will adjust and you should be getting more sleep in no time.
Developing an overall healthier lifestyle is a journey and takes time, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right all of the time. Every day is a new day, so take your time and ease into it. Your health will thank you for it!