Six healthy New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep

A new year prompts us to do new things like writing a whole list of resolutions on how we can improve our lives. While this is all well and good, what you should actually aim for is to keep those resolutions and practice them throughout the year. This is achievable only if you are able to do something about it on a daily basis.

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Here are some of the healthy resolutions that you can easily include in your routine.

1. Sleep more

Getting quality sleep and rest time has become difficult what with the busyness that comes with life. This, however, does not reduce the importance of good quality sleep and its benefits to the body.

As you are busy hustling and burning the midnight oil, remember that giving your body time to recharge increases productivity and boosts creativity.

Schedule a nap during the day and have a strict bedtime. Put the phone down after dinner and tuck yourself in. Your dreams will be sweeter than all the clutter social media has to offer.

2. Eat more wholesome foods

Taking care of your diet is easier said than done. In this fast-paced life, it can be simpler to reach for fast food which, more times than not, is unhealthy. However, your health is your wealth and should be guarded well. Your body needs sufficient nourishment so that it can function at its best.

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Make a weekly meal plan accompanied by a shopping list and go to the market to source your produce. You can even order your vegetables online these days and have them delivered to your home.  

Pack your body with more fruit, vegetables, whole grains and reduce your sugar intake. Drink enough water and notice it working wonders not only on your general health but on your skin as well.

3. Practise self-care

Make time to pamper yourself. Buy yourself a gift, go to a spa for some treatments or go to that solo vacation you’ve been thinking about. You work so hard and need to reward yourself often. Choosing something that relaxes and rejuvenates you will make you happier. Be sure to plan beforehand and save up so as to pamper and spoil yourself silly. You deserve it.

4. Exercise

Having an exercise routine can be daunting for many because it is demanding but getting a routine down will not only make you fitter but it will teach you discipline.

Start by identifying a form of exercise that suits your personality and excites you. It could be zumba classes, swimming or hardcore aerobics. Get an accountability partner who will motivate you and keep you in check. Make exercise time a priority and watch even your mental health improve.

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5. Read more books

Mental stimulation is just as necessary as physical health. You can join a book club and network as you read. If physical books aren’t your thing, many authors now have audio versions of their books which you can listen to on your commute or as you run your errands. Incorporate a reading culture in everyday life and reduce screen time while enriching your life.

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6. Have more home-cooked meals

These days ready-made food is easily available making eating out, or ordering in for that matter, more and more common.

Whereas there is no problem in taking your taste buds on a world taste tour, it is harder to control portion sizes and ingredients used when you buy ready-made food. It also costs a pretty penny.

Cooking your own food is not only cheaper but it gives you better control over how your food is prepared and what ingredients are used. Cooking is also relaxing and you can stretch your creativity by trying new recipes. Additionally, mastering meal prepping will help during your busy days.

Make a pact with yourself to not only write the resolutions but also live them. This will enable you to live your best life and come next year, you will be elated to see progress.