Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year

I love when the new year rolls around. It is a time to shake off old worries, regrets, and of course bad habits. This year, I have made a re-commitment (I say re-commitment because I was doing so well up until fall hit with all the awesome deliciousness!) to adopt healthy habits that will make me feel great again. Healthy habits don’t have to be about weight loss. Being healthy to me is in mind, body, and spirit! If you are looking for a way to become a whole new you, here are some Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year that will leave you happy and full of life again, or at the very least feeling more positive.

Healthy Habits to Adopt in the New Year

Take time for yourself at least once a week. It is so easy to skip taking care of ourselves in our everyday busy lives. It seems like we often end up doing everything for everyone else and forget that when our ‘tank’ is empty, we have nothing to offer. While it may be hard to do something for yourself each day, try to make a commitment to do something for yourself each week. Pick a day and make that your ‘me day’. It can be something as small as finding quiet time or making a lunch date to catch up with a friend.

Make a commitment to take the stairs. This one is so important. We have become so sedentary in our lives and technology has allowed it. Take the stairs, park further from the entrance, and walk the block or two to the store. Just doing some simple activity like this can really make the difference.

Get involved in your community in any way you can. For most of us, it can seem impossible to do some sort of community work because we are so stretched thin. If this is you, find a way to make it work for you even if its just taking a half hour a week to do something. Giving back to others will renew you in spirit and is part of healthy mindful living.

Make one swap a month for something healthier. Does going on a complete diet overhaul seem daunting? Rather than revamping everything you eat, make a swap once a month for something healthier. Even if that’s just switching from white bread to whole wheat. Keep each swap over into the next month and by the end of the year, you will have a whole new way of eating.

Try something new in your exercise routine. It’s very easy to get into a fitness rut. The best way to fix this is to add in something different that you have been wanting to try. It doesn’t even have to be hard! Rather than using the treadmill, walk outside. Take that class you have been wanting to take at your gym.

See your doctor for a physical and make health your goal. Many adults skip yearly physicals, especially if they are generally healthy. Make this year the year you stay on top of your health by making an appointment with your doctor for a physical.