One more year has reached a conclusion, and another has just started. So, since the new year is here, what goals would you say you are going to make? Making a New Year's resolutions is a time-honored tradition all around the globe. In the hopes of a better future - especially when the year we are leaving is a rough one.
Here is my list of goals you should have this 2020 that can impact your lifestyle. I’ve done my research, and talked to knowledgeable people. That includes my medical practitioner friends and health coaches regarding the following goals that I will be sharing. If you’re like me who finds it difficult to stick or follow through to their New Year's Resolution – This might help you as it’s a more realistic goal to achieve.
Eat more whole foods - One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to improve overall health is to eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish.
What’s more, adding more whole foods to your diet can be done slowly and consistently. Start by adding one serving of your favorite veggie to your diet every day.
Take more ‘me time’ and practice self-care - Taking time for yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s imperative for optimal health and wellbeing. This is especially true for those in caretaker roles, such as parents and healthcare workers.
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can simply mean getting a massage once in a while, preparing a healthy meal for yourself, going for a walk, or getting an extra hour of sleep.
Cook more meals at home or learn to cook - In today's generation learning to cook is much easier. Especially when tutorials are widely open and can be found online. Many people rely on convenience foods. Stop relying too often on convenience food such as junk foods, frozen meals, and fast food for a quick meal or snack. Though these items may be tasty and readily available, they can have detrimental effects on your health if eaten too often.
Start by making one meal a day, then increase the frequency over time until you’re making the majority of your meals and snacks at home.
Limit screen time - Many people depend on their phones and computers for work and entertainment. However, spending too much time on electronic devices — particularly on social media. Other than it damages the eyes, it is linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness in some studies.
Rethink that dieting resolution - Chronic dieting is harmful to both physical and mental health. Plus, most people who lose weight through restrictive dieting regain up to two-thirds of the weight lost within 1 year.
Rather than setting a New Year’s resolution to lose weight by using restrictive measures, try a healthier, more sustainable method of weight loss by focusing on increasing physical activity and eating healthier foods.
Cut back on alcohol (SOP if you drink on a regular basis) - Though alcohol can certainly fit into a healthy diet, imbibing too often can negatively affect your health. What’s more, drinking alcohol frequently may keep you from achieving your New Year resolution.
If you think cutting back on alcohol may be helpful for you, set a reasonable goal to keep yourself on track, such as limiting drinking to weekend nights only or setting a drink limit for the week.
Visit your Doctor - Getting examined regularly by your healthcare practitioner is important for many reasons. Having regular blood work and necessary screenings can help spot potential problems before they turn into something more serious.
Most experts recommend seeing your physician at least once a year for a checkup.
As an HIV advocate, I would also like to insert here that you get yourself tested especially if you're active in the sack. Visit your nearest city health office to get yourself a free test.
The bottom line is, though most New Year’s resolutions are only kept for a short period, the healthy resolutions listed above are sustainable ways to improve your physical and emotional health that can be followed for life.
Creating a healthier relationship with food and taking better care of your body and mind can drastically improve your health in various ways.
This New Year, try out a few of the resolutions in this article to help make this year, the healthiest and happiest year possible.
