There’s no better time than the New Year to commit to making a change for the better — like they say, how you start the race is how you’ll end it. But seeing as how many resolutions are broken in just a few weeks, dare we even say, hours, it’s clear that making a change is easier said than done.
For years, “lose weight” and “exercise more” have remained among the most popular New Year’s resolutions. But if years of unfulfilled resolutions have you in a bit of a resolution rut, we’ve got a few tips that can help you get healthier and happier!
Health Resolutions That Won’t Have You Counting Calories
Around this time of year, it’s pretty common to hear that people resolve to “lose weight” in the New Year. While maintaining a healthy weight is a big part of your overall health, there are plenty of ways to get healthy without ever having to step on a scale.
- First things first, know the status of your health. If there are two zeros in the year that you had your last physical, it’s time to head to the doctor.
- Drink more water. Simply carrying a water bottle around will help you to drink more H2O. For those of you averse to drinking plain water all day, try fruit-infused water.
- ...And less coffee. If you replace one cup of coffee a day with a glass of water, you’re two steps ahead of the game!
- Consistently get a full night’s sleep. Americans are chronically sleep deprived, and screens in the bedroom are a big reason for it. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep at night, try leaving your phone in another room of your house.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. The CDC believes that only 1 in 10 adults are getting their daily dose of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.
Making Your Health Resolution Stick
Have you decided on a resolution? We hate to say it but that was the easy part. It’s keeping your resolution all year that’s going to be a challenge.
Start off small and specific.
No one changes their entire lifestyle overnight, so don’t resolve to do too much, too fast. Instead of having a general resolution of “be healthier,” decide to always drink water with lunch or to go to the gym at least once a week.
Tell others about your resolution.
Talking about your resolution not only helps to reinforce it in your brain, but it will also help keep you accountable for your actions. If your resolution is to workout more often, think about getting an enthusiastic gym buddy to motivate you to go.
Create deadlines for yourself.
Nearly half of all resolutions are abandoned by March, just three months after the New Year. While a large part of that has to deal with setting goals that are too ambitious, another big part of it is that people don’t set up checkpoints for themselves. If you want to workout more, resolve to go to the gym five times before February 1. If you want to drink more water, resolve to drink a certain number of gallons per week.
Treat yourself just a little.
Once you’ve accomplished a big task, don’t be afraid to reward yourself! But be careful not to reward yourself with what you’re trying to quit or cut back on. If you’ve eaten well the past few weeks, reward yourself with a new outfit, not a candy bar.
Swapping out desserts like cookies and cake with delicious fruit is a great way to keep your health goals in check this year.