10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep
When it comes to your health, we all resolve to live healthier. Resolutions like lose 40 pounds or eat less junk are a popular choice. If a healthier you is in the cards for 2017, here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions to consider.
Resolution #1: Lose Weight
This may be a resolution we all make every year but you can succeed IF you don’t expect results overnight. Make this the year you succeed by creating a plan that you can realistically follow.
Resolution #2: Stay in Touch
Haven’t talked to your friends in awhile? Research shows that reconnecting with your friends will do wonders for your mental health by increasing your serotonin (the happy hormone) levels and keeping you in a great mood.
Resolution #3: Stop Smoking
Many people thought they couldn’t quit but they did! It may not be on the first try. Ex-smokers will tell you that it took them several tries before they found a way that worked for them. You know the reasons why you need to quit but only you can make that decision!
Resolution #4: Save Money
You can save money simply by getting out and exercising. It doesn’t have to be at a gym but you do need to keep active. It can be as simple as going for a walk every day or biking to work (if weather and miles allow it). Improving your health can lower health care and medication costs while also increasing your productively and decreasing your number of sick days: all of which will put more money in your pocket in the long run!
Resolution #5: Relax!
Yes, you read that right; relax! Don’t stress out! A bit of pressure every now and then isn’t bad; in fact, short bursts of stress actually give you energy. But, if stress is constant, it can lead to a number of health problems like insomnia, obesity and heart disease, just to mention a few. So, when you start feeling stressed, take a step back and breathe.
Resolution #6: Volunteer
Doing something to help the less fortunate or a small act of kindness will actually help make you feel like you accomplished something. A 2010 study found that people with positive emotions were 20% less likely than their gloomier peers to have a heart attack or develop heart disease.
Resolution #7: Go Back to School
No matter how old you are, heading back to the classroom can help boost your career, introduce you to new friends, and even boost your brainpower. You will feel better about yourself when you gain new knowledge as well.
Resolution #8: Cut Back on Alcohol
Although there have been studies showing that some alcohol consumption can be beneficial, drinking alcohol in excess affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and can increase the risk of depression, memory loss, or even seizures.
Resolution #9: Get More Sleep
You probably already know that a good night’s rest can do wonders for your mood—and appearance, but sleep is more beneficial to your health than you might realize. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Plus, getting enough sleep will help improve your memory.
Resolution #10: Travel
Studies have shown that travelling can help break you out of a dull home routine. It gives your mind a break and you get to see something you wouldn’t normally see at home. You don’t have to put a second mortgage on your home to travel. You can go to a nearby town or city and check into a B&B or hotel. Even a short road trip to an area you haven’t explored yet can be enough of a break!
