By: Dana Brown, HealthConditions.info
Many of us make resolutions to be healthier in the new year, but it can be a challenge to stick to them. Stress, anxiety, and spending more time at home — where you have constant access to snacks — can all contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. But the good news is, there are several simple things you can do to feel better.
The key is to think of these changes as a journey rather than a chore, and it will help immensely to reach out for advice and look for resources on how to maintain healthy habits. Sara E Teller has some wonderful tips on everything from overcoming trauma to practicing self-care, so read up on the topics that interest you and think about how you can set some healthy, realistic goals, like the following.
First, freshen up your space.
Your home should be a calming, relaxing space that helps you feel safe and comfortable. But there are several things that can contribute to a negative environment, which can leave you and your loved ones feeling irritable and argumentative. If you’ve noticed negativity in the house lately, try cleaning and decluttering to clear out the space and make it more inviting. On warm days, open the windows to air things out a bit. Consider refreshing some of the decor to bring positive energy into each area.
Focus on yourself.
After sprucing up your environment, turn the focus to your body by practicing self-care. Treat yourself to a spa day at home and invest in products that can help you look and feel better, such as a collagen supplement. Collagen can boost the health of your skin, hair, and nails, helping you to feel more confident. While these supplements can take a little time to settle in and do their job, most people can see a noticeable difference in about 12 weeks. Sticking to the regimen is crucial, so consider setting an alarm that will help you remember to take the supplement around the same time every day.
Set realistic goals.
It will be much easier to stay on track with a healthy lifestyle if you set realistic goals for yourself. Rather than forcing a new, unfamiliar diet into your routine, look for healthy meal ideas that only use a few ingredients and ease them into your weekly plan. Check out the local health foods store and get familiar with what they have to offer so shopping will go smoothly. Don’t forget to look at prices so you can work things like organic foods — which tend to be more expensive than non-organic — into your budget.
If you have a sweet tooth, it’s a good idea to refrain from banning all treats at once as this might only contribute to a relapse and leave you feeling guilty. Instead, look for sugar substitutes to use in baking or switch to dark chocolate when you have a craving. These small tricks will help you stick to your resolution for healthier eating and meet your goals.
Get moving.
Getting healthy is about more than eating better. It’s also important to get up and get moving, especially if you work from home or have a sedentary job. Try using a standing desk and think of ways you can get your heart rate up during the day. Take a break in the afternoon and go for a walk, or start a game of kickball with the kids. It can be hard to stick to a resolution to get more exercise when the weather is bad, so come up with ideas on how you can stay active indoors.
You might create a small workout area with simple tools, or start practicing yoga and mindfulness. You can also learn how to meditate and find ways to relax or banish anxiety.
Setting goals for living a healthier lifestyle can be frustrating, so take it slow and stay connected with others who can support you on your journey. Consider utilizing social media to find like-minded individuals who will keep you motivated as you pursue your goals. And for more tips, resources, and guidance in maintaining mental wellness, subscribe to Sara’s blog today.
About the Author
Dana Brown is the creator of HealthConditions.info, which aims to provide Internet users with helpful content and resources that will lead them to making healthier decisions. She has 15 years of caregiving experience, and after seeing some patterns of poor health she became determined to help inform people about healthy living.