Does your 2024 resolution include living a healthy lifestyle? You are among the 48% of people whose New Year resolutions include improved fitness. However, most of the resolutions start falling off by the second Friday of the month, also termed ‘Quitter’s Day’.
But we are not to demotivate you, we are here to break your habit. We are here to share actionable strategies that can help you transform and live a healthy lifestyle.
Before we share the strategies, let’s take a look at what we mean by a healthy lifestyle.
Living a healthy lifestyle is a commitment in both, your mindset and your practice, to live your life in a balanced way. It includes consistent habits that promote overall well-being while reducing the risk of illness.
#1 Move more often
A 5-10 minute walk post lunch, stretching your neck, arms, and legs even while you are at your work desk, going to the office cooler to fill up your water bottle. These are small things, but it is the small things that leave a big impact.
Set a timer on your mobile phone or your laptop so you know it’s time to move around. Whenever possible, take the stairs and not the lift. Exercise 3-5 days a week for as little as 20 minutes.
#2 Drink more water
You know the importance of drinking adequate water, but do you drink a sufficient amount each day? It affects your mind and body in ways you never thought possible- mood, well-being, hunger, emotions…
Carry a water bottle that indicates how much water you have consumed and make sure you finish it and refill and finish again. If you cannot carry it with you, set a 30-minute timer on your phone so whenever it buzzes it reminds you to drink some.
If not plain water, you can make detox water by adding some mint, fresh lime, or coconut water to enhance the taste.
#3 Switch to healthier eating options
Be mindful of what you are putting in your body. The food you eat has a lot to do with not just your body, but your mind as well. You don’t need to eat bland food, you just need to swap unhealthy food with healthier options.
Avoid packaged food, oily food, food that is rich in calories, and heavy beverages. Try and do some research to understand the healthier food options available. If your mind knows something is not right for your body, it will signal you.
#4 Get good sleep every day
Our body repairs itself while we sleep. Make sure you give a few hours each night or day for your body to work at its optimum the next working day.
Give yourself a waking up deadline for the next day and based on that set your sleep time at least 6 hours prior. Set your space for good rest by keeping it clean, dimming the lights, and playing soft meditative music if needed.
#5 Focus on hygiene
A personal hygiene routine can increase your overall well-being. It would not only help you stay away from common illnesses but also would be a boost to your confidence and increase the quality of your life.
Showering daily, timely visits to the barber or salon, wearing clean clothes, washing your hands regularly, and smelling good.
#6 Learn to manage stress
Stress is a part of daily life, like the way we eat, sleep, and work, the same way our mind has to learn to manage stress. If you let stress consume you, whatever healthy physical habits you practice, it will not matter much if your mind is not a healthy space for you.
It’s mostly about how you manage other things. If you are an overthinker, you should find activities that help you relax; read a journal, meditate, or join a support group. Find ways that can help you learn to manage your stress.
#7 Practice mindfulness
If you truly wish to transform your lifestyle and live a healthy lifestyle you need to be mindful about your thoughts and your actions.
Everything starts in our mind and living a healthy lifestyle as mentioned earlier is a commitment first and the practice second. When you are mindful of what you are eating, how much water you are consuming, whether you are taking regular breaks, are your thoughts or actions hurting or uplifting you, and whether your routine is helping you be productive or lowering your productivity, you automatically start taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle.
These are simple things with simple strategies that when practiced regularly can not only break the habit loop but also transform your lifestyle and your life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit My Well Self
