One of the top New Years’ resolutions is health and wellness related. However, studies show 80% of resolutions fail because people shoot too far for an unobtainable goal. The key is to make a focused and reachable resolution for lasting change. Instead of using a more broad topic like losing weight or practicing self-care, choose a specific action to work on. Here are eight easy health and wellness resolution ideas you can stick to.
Spend less time on your phone
We readily have technology at our fingertips, making our lives easier and responsible for distraction. When we are more present, we can reduce anxiety, depression, and productivity loss. If you want to have more time to achieve your goals, set the alarm every day to take a break from your phone. Some phones have this feature built-in, and all you have to do is program it. This will allow you to focus on your household, personal time, or hobbies.
Focus on cooking more
A resolution such as going on a diet is very broad and may quickly fail. Perhaps it may be easier for you to focus on cooking more meals at home versus dieting overall. According to a study, people who cook more at home have a healthier diet than those that don’t. This is an easy way to focus on your diet without feeling restricted. Try and find wholesome recipes you love, and make a commitment to cook at least one meal a day.
Reduce alcohol intake
Recreational alcohol intake is a contributing factor to weight gain. Although some alcohol in moderation doesn’t negatively impact body weight, heavy weekly drinking does. Assess how much alcohol you are drinking recreationally and try to reduce it. For example, limit alcohol consumption to special occasions or 2x a month. See how it changes your body without any other intervention.
Try one new activity a month
Instead of saying, I want to exercise more. How about making the commitment to try something new every month that involves movement? This can even be starting a new hobby that does not directly involve exercise. Studies show that people who have hobbies often live healthier lives. Pick something and schedule it in advance, so you have no excuse not to participate. You might find something you love to do that keeps you coming back.
Have one meatless meal a week
If you want to migrate to a more plant-based or vegetarian-style diet, it may be easier to transition gradually. Set modest goals to get you to the overall goal of switching to a plant-based diet. For example, try swapping out one meal a week for a meatless one. This will allow you to try meatless options without overhauling your diet, making it easier to commit. Once you find meal ideas you like, try adding more until you achieve your total goal.
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier
Sleep quality is a primary contributor to health and weight-related difficulties. Improving the amount and quality of sleep may reduce stress, weight and improve chronic conditions. If you have trouble going to bed at your desired time, try setting a reminder on your phone when it’s bedtime. I do this with mine, and it reminds me to wind down and even dim my phone light for better sleep. Adding 30 minutes lets you set an obtainable milestone until you can reach the entire goal of getting more sleep.
Meditate for 2 minutes a day
Meditation helps promote wellness and reduces stress-related health problems. However, many people find it hard to sit down and focus for an extended period of time. If you want to learn how to meditate and be mindful, try doing it for a short time, like 1-2 minutes. Even apps and fitness watches remind you to focus and make it a point to schedule it during your day. Over time, the trickle-down effects of meditation will help you improve mental health, stress, anxiety, eating, sleep, and many more.
Write down something you are grateful for everyday
Gratitude is proven to improve your health in many ways. With all the negativity around us, changing your perspective of what you are grateful for is an excellent resolution to focus better on your goals. It will, in turn, improve your self-esteem and what you think about yourself. Read all the trickle-down effects of gratitude in 5 Proven Reasons Why Gratitude Improves Your Health. Start with a guided journal and commit to writing at least one thing a day to change your perspective.
Making a resolution for the new year does not have to be complicated. You also do not have to wait until the new year to make a positive change in your life. Start when you are ready and start small. You will see it will make a lasting change.
