Here are my tips and tricks to get off on the right foot this year and keep you going! I hope these tips help you as much as it helps me. I’d love to know what your favorite tips and habits are for a strong health and wellness routine, too, so please share them in the comments with me!
SLEEP
We all know sleep is essential, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to prioritize or ensure we get the quality sleep we need.
When you sleep, your body can repair and restore itself, which helps to improve your physical health. It also allows your brain to process and consolidate memories which improves your mental health. Not to mention that lack of sleep can lead to several negative consequences, including difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a weakened immune system.
As always, it’s easier said than done but being intentional about getting more rest, or better rest goes a long way. Establish a consistent bedtime or wake-up routine and stick to it! Whether a slow crawl into bed after a lux skincare routine or a relaxing morning lie-in with a light read and a cup of coffee, you’re sure to find a little more rested and at peace. If you have trouble sleeping or getting to sleep, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, light stretching, or progressive muscle relaxation, help calm your mind and body.
EXERCISE
We all love dopamine, duh! But really, exercise has several benefits for both physical and mental health. So, starting a new year with increased movement and exercise will have a significant impact on you now and set the tone for the rest of your year. It’s no secret that exercise has also been shown to have mental health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and helping to improve sleep quality. Additionally, exercise can help to increase energy levels, improve self-esteem, and boost overall well-being.
A run, walk, yoga session or even housework can count as movement. Just remember, you need to enjoy it! If you hate running, don’t force yourself to run every day. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, swimming, or cycling. This will make it easier to stick with your routine.
MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME
Screens are EVERYWHERE these days which makes escaping them hard but even more important that we try to cut back. Prolonged screen use can lead to eye strain, which can cause headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. AND exposure to screens can disrupt your natural sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Have I sold you yet on stepping back? Because the thought of a headache did it for me. But again, when we work on screens, relax with screens, work out with screens – it’s not an easy task.
The best way is to start simple and small. For me, that’s not reaching for my phone first thing in the morning. Studies have shown that reaching for your phone first thing in the morning can lead to increased stress and anxiety – so this is a double victory for me!
To help with this, try charging your phone where it’s out of reach when you’re in bed. Consider finding a new morning routine, stretching, meditation, or journaling. This can help you focus on your well-being and set a positive tone for the day rather than jumping straight into the distractions of your phone.
HEALTHY EATING HABITS
Based on your lifestyle or health goals, this will look different for everyone! But all in all a healthy and balanced diet will fuel your body and have a trickle-down positive impact on other areas of your life. It’s all about balance, and healthy eating helps maintain that balance, so you aren’t drained.
- Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Cutting back on processed sugars, even if it’s just 1-2 days a week.
- Pay attention to portion sizes but follow your hunger with intuitive eating. It’s okay to sometimes be really hungry (like after a busy day) or less hungry because you had a really nutritious, filling meal earlier that day.
INCREASE WATER INTAKE
Water intake is so crucial for any wellness journey. Staying hydrated helps with your digestion, skin, energy levels, and so much more. I love to mix in detox water into my routines to add flavor profiles and additional nutrient benefits. My favorite ways to make sure I’m drinking more water:
- Having water with me at all times helps to remind me to drink water throughout the day.
- Drinking a glass of water before meals.
- Eat water-rich foods: Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, have a high-water content and can help to keep me hydrated.
- Using a water tracker app: There are many apps and devices available that can help you to track your water intake and ensure that you are getting enough.
SETTING REALISTIC GOALS
Setting realistic goals for the new year is a healthy habit because it can help to improve motivation and increase the likelihood of success. It’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. Make sure your goals are specific and achievable. Setting realistic goals allows you to progress at a sustainable pace and experience a sense of accomplishment as you achieve them. There’s no shame in big or little goals. The important thing is that you accomplish them. I always like to start with goals such as taking my vitamins daily, drinking a certain amount of water a day, etc.… Those are little goals for me that help me reach my big goals!
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Practicing gratitude is good because it can help to improve overall well-being and happiness. When you practice gratitude, you focus on the positive aspects of your life, rather than dwelling on the negative. This can help to shift your perspective and increase feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Additionally, expressing gratitude has been shown to improve relationships and social connections, as well as to reduce stress and anxiety. Gratitude can also help to improve physical health, as it has been linked to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep quality. Overall, practicing gratitude is a simple and effective way to increase happiness and well-being!!
