The New Year is upon us, which often means New Year’s Resolutions for the many of us who find the idea of a “fresh slate” motivating. One of these goals should be on everyone’s list no matter your age is health, whether it’s committing to better eating habits or starting a new exercise class, there are many healthy habits that all of us can benefit from, and what better time to start than now. Use the New Year to create positive changes in our lives towards happier and healthier living in 2020!
1. Practice gratitude. Gratitude means feeling grateful for what we have in life and focusing on the good, not the bad. Practicing gratitude every day can help instill a more positive mindset and provide an overall better sense of wellbeing. The best news is that it’s easy! Find a way to add daily gratitude into your routine – whether it’s writing down what you are grateful for every morning in a gratitude journal, or simply going to sleep thinking about all that you have to be grateful for, practicing gratitude is a great way to incorporate positivity into your life on a daily basis!
2. Drink more water. Studies show that while the recommended amount of daily water intake is 91 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men, the average American adult drinks only 39 ounces of water per day. When was the last time you thought about how much water you consume? It’s likely that you can help your body function better by drinking more water. Staying hydrated promotes cardiovascular health, helps muscles and joints function better, increases energy levels, and helps with liver and kidney functions. So set a daily goal and start hydrating!
3. Stretch your body. Getting our bodies moving is important, especially as we start to feel aches and pains in our joints. A great way to help get our blood flowing and improve flexibility is by taking the time to stretch for just 5 minutes a day. Not sure where to start? There are a ton of resources available to you online, such as this 5-Minute Daily Stretching Routine or if you want to take it a step further try these 5-Minute Morning Yoga stretches! Disclaimer: Please exercise caution when performing any physical activity.
4. Cut back on processed foods. We know that maintaining healthy eating habits are crucial to our physical and mental wellbeing. If you haven’t paid much attention to your diet in the last several months, this is a great time to start incorporating healthy, whole foods on a daily basis. Make it a habit to have at least one healthy meal without processed ingredients per day, or more! If you are limited on resources, make it a habit to have at least 2 servings of fruit and at least 3 servings of vegetables each day. For more guidance, take a look at the Dietary Guide to build a healthy base.
5. Practice self-care. Often when we think about health, we think about the physical aspect. But let’s not forget that mental health is equally important! Therefore, make sure to practice self-care to keep your mind happy and healthy also! Practicing self-care is different for everyone, so think about what you enjoy doing or what is your definition of a relaxing evening. Whether it’s sipping a cup of tea while reading a new novel, going for a walk in the fresh air, or maybe taking a bubble bath every once in a while – make sure you are filling at least a part of your day with what makes you happy!
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year from all of us at Age Well CT!
