5 Simple New Year’s Resolutions for Better Health

You know you want to get healthier and feel better in 2018, and you’re pretty sure you should set a resolution to help get you there –that’s what the new year is all about, right? However, you’re not so sure of ideas for new year’s resolutions and how to get healthier. No problem, we’re here to help!  Use any – or all – of these five simple ideas to get you started on the path to better living.

1. Drink 16 Ounces More Water Per Day

Getting more H2O into your body is one of the easiest, most beneficial things you can do for your health. Most people don’t drink nearly enough water every day, so adding in 16 more ounces will be incredibly beneficial. Water helps to remove toxins from your body, prevents bloating, increases your energy, protects joints and cartilage, improves your skin’s appearance, and reduces hunger (which also means it can help you lose weight!) Plus, it’s far less painful than diets, intense workouts, and giving up things you love.  Don’t just say you’ll drink more water, though – be specific. Start with 16 ounces more than you already drink, then continue to increase until you’re drinking up to one gallon per day! If you begin your day with one big glass of water, you’re already halfway there and it only takes about 10 seconds.

2. Work on Your Balance

No matter what your age, balance is crucial. It prevents falls and injuries, and can improve your athletic performance tremendously. Additionally, balance exercises work your core, so this goal will also have that midsection looking tighter and more toned! Spend 10 minutes per day trying to improve your core strength and balance. This may be as simple as single leg balances on a balance disc for 20 seconds at a time, or it may be much more challenging, like single leg deadlifts with a kettlebell while standing on a balance pad. The strength and body awareness you gain from these practices will make other areas of life easier, from carrying things up the stairs to the ability to squat more weight at the gym.

3. Try Cross-Training

Cross-training is simply participating in complementary but different exercises than your typical activity. For instance, if you’re always lifting weights at the gym, then maybe it’s time to try yoga. Lifting weights can cause muscles to become tight and shortened, so yoga will improve your flexibility so you feel better and can actually perform better during your workouts. If you love Pilates, maybe it’s time to try running or hiking on trails. Trying new exercises will keep your body challenged, heart healthy and mind sharp!

4. Start Foam Rolling

If you don’t already use these wonderfully painful self-massage tools, it’s time to start! Our patterns of movement or non-movement (sitting at a desk, squatting and bench-pressing, running daily) can put pressure on muscles, leading to knots, referred pain, and tightness that can make daily functions uncomfortable.  Using a foam roller daily can loosen up those knots and reduce pain. Plus, they can save you a lot of money on trips to the masseuse! Not only are they great for loosening up muscles, but they’re also very useful for stretching and even core exercises, such as in Pilates. You can buy a foam roller for under $10, so there’s really no excuse not to achieve this New Year’s resolution.

 5. Eat a Vegetable at Every Meal

In this day and age, it seems everyone is either living on animal protein and fat, or hasn’t quite realized the problems with processed carbohydrates and manages to survive on cereal, bagels, and sandwiches. Vegetables are often forgotten in both types of diets, yet that’s where most of the great vitamins and minerals come from that improve your energy, immune system, focus, skin, and body functions. These foods are like medicine, so find ways to get them into every meal. Try a handful of spinach in your eggs at breakfast, asparagus or beets in your salad, carrots for snacks, and riced cauliflower at dinner. The fiber will keep you full on low calories, so it’s also a great weight loss strategy!

There you go – five simple options to start your resolutions for the new year. These ones are incredibly doable, so what are you waiting for? Go start achieving those health goals!

Leave a comment below and tell us what your resolution is for 2018!

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