We all hear the buzz at the start of the year about New Year’s resolutions…at least until the end of the month…
So many people make resolutions that are unrealistic and, therefore, unachievable. This means that it is incredibly easy for people to let their resolutions fall to the side quickly because they seem impossible. Here are 5 resolutions to improve your health in 2020 that are all simple and practical.
Practice Focused Breathing - Start 2020 stress-free by taking a few minutes every day to simply breathe. By taking some time to slow your breath, your parasympathetic nervous system engages, which helps you feel calm and relaxed. With daily practice, you will be able to calm your body at any moment, no matter the stress that 2020 might bring. Focused breathing can also help to boost your energy levels and help you focus more.
Prioritize Yourself - This might seem like an impossible resolution, but taking time to do something that you enjoy or find relaxing - anything from coloring, cooking, or taking a walk. It takes 21 days for your brain to forge a new habit, so make sure to be consistent.
Learn a New Skill or Hobby - A simple way to challenge your brain in the new year is to pick up a new skill or hobby. When you learn, your brain has to create new neural pathways, and as you continue to practice your new skill, the speed and strength of the neural connections is increased. You need to exercise your brain to keep it functioning at its best - just like a muscle. Also, learning new skills keeps your brain active, which can help protect you against dementia, and increases your self-esteem.
Eat Mindfully - Often eating resolutions involve eating less or eating a different diet, such as becoming a vegetarian, and those types of food resolutions aren’t very attainable. Instead focus on eating consciously. 57% of Americans don’t even check the amount of sugar, protein, or sodium before purchasing food. The resolution to eat mindfully doesn’t involve tracking carbs or counting calories, but instead is more focused on eating in a way that provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function well. By focusing on what you’re eating and the nutrients contained in your food, you can reduce a tendency to binge eat and improve your digestion.
Break a Sweat - Instead of setting unrealistic workout goals for yourself. instead focus on simply breaking a sweat every day. By getting more exercise, your physical health will improve, but also, your mood will improve and you will be more productive. Research shows that if you spend as little as ten minutes working out, you can reap the health benefits from breaking a sweat. So instead of setting unrealistic workout goals, simply resolve to get more exercise by walking, hiking, swimming, or any other physical activity you enjoy.
We hope that 2020 will be a year of health and wellness for you. If you have questions on how to become your healthiest self, please come visit our office - we are happy to help you create individualized resolutions to make 2020 your best health year yet!