10 New Year’s Resolutions for Health
Healthy lifestyle resolutions are among the most popular types of New Year’s resolutions. This year, you too can make a resolution to live a healthier life. New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep, but if you’re committed enough, you can make 2022 your healthiest year yet.
Here are ten of the healthiest resolutions you can make for yourself and share with friends and family this coming New Year’s Eve.
1. Build a Workout Routine
Creating a workout routine that fits your goals this new year may be just the thing you need to get back on track towards a healthy lifestyle. So whether you want to focus on weight loss or strength training, make sure you set clear goals that fit with your lifestyle and desired outcome.
Sticking with a routine can be challenging, but it’s easier if you have friends and family to hold you accountable. Try finding a workout partner or group to join in the new year. It’ll make going to the gym that much more fun!
2. Drink More Water
It’s no secret that drinking water is essential for a healthy lifestyle, yet most of us don’t drink nearly enough water throughout the day. So, make it your resolution to drink more water. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Staying hydrated has countless benefits, including helping you to stay energized and alert, keep your skin looking fresh, and maintain immunity.
3. Change Your Eating Habits
With the start of a new year comes the perfect opportunity to start fresh with your eating habits. If you’ve been struggling to stick to a healthy diet in the past, this new year is the perfect time to get started. Healthy eating habits can help you lose weight and feel great, all while enjoying delicious, whole foods!
Begin to break your bad eating habits this year and incorporate these healthier foods into your diet:
- Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds
- Protein: Lean meats like chicken or turkey; beans, legumes, nuts, seeds
- Healthy carbohydrates: Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, oatmeal
- Fruits and vegetables: Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables daily for the best health benefits
4. Get Enough Sleep
Staying up past midnight on New Year’s Eve is expected, but when it comes to your New Year’s resolutions, try to get enough hours of rest each night. Getting at least eight hours of quality sleep each night is crucial for overall health and can help you stay alert, focused, and energized throughout the day.
If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, try some of these healthy sleep habits:
Create a Healthy Bedtime Routine
Start winding down each night at least one hour before your desired bedtime. This could include reading, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like mediation.
Limit Screen Time
Television, laptops, social media, and smartphones can all stimulate the mind before bed, making it harder to fall asleep at night. Limit your screen time one hour before you sleep to promote good sleep hygiene.
Be Mindful About Late-Night Food Choices
Healthy eating habits can help you fall asleep faster at night, so try to avoid sugary foods or heavy dinners right before bed.
Stick With Your Workout Routine
Staying active helps more than just your physical health. Working out and staying fit promotes a better night’s sleep, so if you’re struggling to stay asleep at night, try going for a run or hitting the gym a few times a week. Your body will crave more rest if you use more energy.
5. Quit Smoking
Quit smoking for good and make your health a priority in 2022. Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it’s also terrible for your heart health and can increase your risk for cancer. If you’re struggling to quit smoking on your own, try seeking out support from friends and family or enrolling in a smoking cessation program.
6. Limit Alcohol Intake
While it’s okay to indulge in a glass of champagne or two on New Year’s Eve, try to limit your overall alcohol intake this year. Too much alcohol can negatively affect your health, potentially leading to weight gain, liver damage, and cardiovascular disease.
As a general rule, try to limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day. If you’re consuming more than that, try cutting back a bit every week until you get down to only one or two drinks per day.
If you struggle with alcoholism, eliminating drinking from your life altogether may be the best health and lifestyle decision.
7. Prioritize Mental Health
Remember that your physical well-being is not the only important thing this new year. Make sure to prioritize your mental health as well by finding ways to minimize stress and anxiety in your life.
This could include doing things like:
- Getting regular exercise
- Doing yoga
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Reading books
- Engaging in a hobby
- Spending time with friends and family
- Anything else that brings you a sense of peace
8. Practice Self-Care
Life can get busy, but it’s important to remember to slow down and make time for yourself. Make sure you’re taking some “me” time every now and then to reset by doing things like:
- Taking a bubble bath
- Reading a good book
- Getting a massage
- Watching your favorite TV show
- Going outside
Self Care is a great way to prioritize mental health while helping you keep a clear mind to reach your other New Year’s resolutions.
9. Don’t Forget the Dentist
Be honest – when was the last time you’ve been to the dentist? Dental hygiene is a vital part of your overall health, so don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the dentist this year. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for more than just your smile. They can also prevent you from developing serious health problems.
Try to schedule a dental appointment every six months, and be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
10. Encourage Others to Make Healthy Choices
Sticking to your list of New Year’s resolutions can be tricky, but it’s a lot easier when you have support. By encouraging the people close to you to make their health a priority this new year, you can help keep each other accountable while breaking those bad habits.
Contact Outset Health
Outset Health is dedicated to helping physicians integrate bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) into their practice. By choosing Outset Health, your practice will be able to cater to all of your patient’s needs no matter what their New Year’s resolution goals may be. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you and your patients this new year.