As the New Year approaches, many of us make resolutions with the hope of improving our health. But let’s be honest: how many of us actually stick to these resolutions? It’s easy to get excited about making a change, but it’s much harder to follow through and make that change a lasting part of our lives.
That’s where mindset comes in. Resolutions are disposable, but it’s our mindset that determines how we respond to setbacks and challenges. If we approach our health goals with a fixed mindset, believing that our abilities and habits are set in stone, we are more likely to give up when things get tough. But if we have a growth mindset, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, we are more likely to persevere and achieve our goals.
So, if you’re looking to be healthier in 2023, try shifting your mindset and adopting the following 10 habits:
- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a bedtime routine that helps you relax and wind down before sleep.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your routine: Exercise not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it also boosts mood and energy levels. Find an activity you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity, 5 days a week.
- Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed and sugary foods, and try to include a variety of different foods in your meals to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
- Drink plenty of water: Water is essential for good health and hydration. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or spending time in hot weather.
- Practice stress management techniques: Chronic stress can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Find ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek support from friends and family: It’s easier to achieve your goals when you have a supportive network of people around you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for help and encouragement.
- Find ways to stay active throughout the day: Sedentary behavior can have negative impacts on health, so try to incorporate movement into your day as much as possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk during lunch breaks, or stand up and stretch every hour.
- Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your food, rather than eating mindlessly in front of the TV or computer. This can help you make more mindful food choices and avoid overeating.
- Limit your intake of alcohol and tobacco: Both alcohol and tobacco can have negative impacts on health. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation (no more than one drink per day for women, and two for men). And if you smoke, consider quitting – it’s never too late to reap the health benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle.
- Take care of your mental health: Physical health and mental health are closely interconnected. Don’t neglect your mental well-being – seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.
Incorporating these habits into your life may not be easy, but with a growth mindset and a little bit of perseverance, you can make lasting changes that will help you be healthier in 2023 and beyond. Remember: it’s not about making a resolution, it’s about adopting a new mindset and making healthy habits a part of your daily routine. Change your mind, change your life – and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you in the New Year. So, these are the 10 ways to be healthier in 2023.