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5 Easy and Healthy New Year's Resolutions
As the year comes to a close and we step into a new year, you may be filled with gratitude or looking forward to a fresh start.
The New Year always brings new goals and new expectations. Most people love to create a few resolutions to stick to throughout the year.
Are you wondering what New Year’s resolution you can make this year? Maybe you don’t want to set a huge goal, but you’re interested in working on yourself and becoming healthier.
Here are five easy and healthy resolutions to think about implementing this New Year.
Drink more water
Drinking more water is a simple, healthy resolution to apply. Did you know most people don’t drink enough water in a day? More than half of the adults in the United States do not.1
Our body needs water for various reasons including delivering oxygen throughout the body, regulating body temperature, and aiding the digestive system.2
Drinking enough fluids, especially water, will keep you hydrated and ultimately healthy.
According to U.S. News, the best equation to remember about drinking water is to drink half of your body weight in ounces.3 For example, if someone weighs 200 pounds, then 100 ounces of water is recommended in a day.
There are other things to consider when it comes to drinking water and how much water you should consume. Are you active daily? Do you sweat a lot? If so, you may want to adjust how much water you drink accordingly.
If you struggle with drinking water throughout the day, try something new to make it more enjoyable. Fill up your favorite canteen or reusable water bottle and keep it with you all day to encourage you to drink more.
If you want more flavor, try sparkling water or flavored water. These two can have flavors or carbonation to give you a different sensation than flat water while also keeping you hydrated. Or you can add fresh fruit or herbs to your water such as lemon, lime, or mint.
Drinking more water is an easy yet extremely effective New Year’s resolution to help improve your health. Hydration is key for a strong immune system, healthy organs, and even clear skin!
Break a bad habit
You don’t have to necessarily set a goal for your New Year’s resolution: think about simply breaking one bad habit.
We all pick out our own flaws and can be our harshest critic. However, we can help ourselves and change these things!
What is one bad habit you wish you could break? Is it biting your nails? Getting fast food for dinner too often? Or is it scrolling on social media every five minutes?
Start small and work on breaking one bad habit. If you set your mind to it, you’ll be more conscious of it every time you go to do it. You can also let someone close to you know so they can hold you accountable if they see you partaking in this bad habit.
This is a minor goal to set, but this allows us to work on something for ourselves, no matter how small.
Get moving
Another simple idea for a New Year’s resolution is to get moving! This can mean anything… whether you want to stand more during the day, take your dog for more walks, or hit the gym more often.
There are endless options for being active this New Year. Find a way each day to get your body moving. Here are some simple ideas to get you started.
Stand more
Some people work from home or sit at a desk all day long.
One way you can be active is by standing more throughout the day. Try standing while working with an adjustable podium or just take small breaks throughout the day to stretch your legs.
Take a walk
Walking is a simple yet effective exercise. Taking a short walk will get you moving and burn more calories than you think!
To make walking more fun, go explore a trail with a scenic view or walk with a friend you can talk to. If you switch up locations, it will never get boring.
New exercise class
If you’re already active and you want to try something new, consider a new exercise class! Break out of your usual gym routine and join a new class you’ve never done before.
If you don’t feel comfortable going to a live class, there are many options you can find online. Try yoga, Pilates, or P90X to get into an exercise routine.
Be intentional
Our lives can get so busy that we may forget the simple things such as being intentional. This means doing everything with a purpose in mind.
Set a goal this New Year to be more intentional with your life. Think about how you utilize your day and how you can manage your time to achieve more.
Be intentional with your time
One way you can be intentional is with your time. Most people find themselves too busy on a daily basis. However, we can utilize our time to set goals and spend our time effectively.
Be intentional with your time this year. Spend time with your family and friends uninterrupted. Plan your time wisely. You won’t regret it.
Be intentional with your words
Another way you can be intentional is with your words. A few kind words can make someone’s day!
If there is someone that has been on your mind, give them a call. If you have not spoken to someone in a while, send them a nice, thoughtful letter.
The next time you are with friends and family, build them up with encouraging words.
These small acts of kindness will make someone else feel better and uplift them.
Find a new hobby
What better New Year’s resolution than to find a new hobby? Start something new that you will thank yourself for later!
Has there been something on your mind you have been wanting to do? Maybe reading more, starting to paint, or learning how to knit.
There are so many easy, fun options when it comes to finding a new hobby. There are endless resources online, as well as a variety of books to choose from. There are even classes that you can sign up for to learn a new hobby.
You can start a new hobby that will bring you joy and entertainment, or you can start something that will benefit you in the long-run.
Saber Healthcare wishes you a safe and happy New Year!
Everyone here at Saber Healthcare wishes you and your family a safe and happy New Year!
Whether or not you have a goal or resolution set for the New Year, we hope that it is a great and memorable year for you.
Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.
Sources:
- “Most adults admit they don’t drink nearly enough water every day.” NYP Holdings, Inc., New York Post. September 3rd, 2020. Accessed December 29th, 2020. https://nypost.com/2020/09/03/most-adults-dont-drink-enough-water-every-day-do-you/.
- McIntosh, James and Cross, Karen. “Fifteen benefits of drinking water.” Healthline Media, Medical News Today. July 18th, 2018. Accessed December 29th, 2020. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814#benefits.
- Elkaim, Yuri. “The Truth About How Much Water You Should Really Drink.” U.S. News and World Report, health.usnews.com. September 13th, 2013. Accessed December 22nd, 2020. https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/09/13/the-truth-about-how-much-water-you-should-really-drink.