As we prepare for a new year, it’s not just about flipping the calendar; it’s also a chance to make positive changes for our health. Every year, we promise to do certain things to be healthier, but sometimes we forget or get too busy. It’s not that these promises are too hard; it’s just easy to lose track of those commitments in our everyday tasks. To help us stick to our health promises, having good company and a consistent routine can make a big difference.
To keep up with the tradition of making resolutions for the new year, let’s focus on starting fresh and staying motivated all year. Some resolutions often get ignored, but these could be the key to making 2024 a healthier and happier year for you. Let’s explore these forgotten health goals and explore why they are worth trying in your journey to better health.
1. Make way for natural proteins
In a time where protein shakes and bars seem to dominate, the simplicity of natural proteins often takes a back seat. Natural sources like eggs, soy, quinoa, dairy, chickpeas and legumes not only provide essential amino acids but also offer a wholesome package of nutrients. They play a crucial role in muscle development, metabolism, and overall body function, making them the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
2. Improve your blood circulation
Improving blood circulation delivers multiple benefits. It enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells, promotes heart health and boosts energy levels. It also efficiently removes waste products from the body, contributing to optimal organ function.
Engaging in regular exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk, dance or zumba session, enhances blood flow. Furthermore, headstands, or sirsasana, also potentially benefit blood circulation. It’s not just about exercise or yoga, it’s about keeping your blood running smoothly.
3. Cut on extra salt
Excess salt can wreak havoc on our health. High sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and water retention. By cutting back on added salt, we not only protect our hearts but also reduce bloating and maintain a healthier fluid balance within our bodies.
4. Everyday facial exercises
While making resolutions, we often focus on weight loss and management, our facial health frequently gets ignored. Simple facial exercises can do wonders for toning muscles, enhancing skin elasticity, and maintaining a youthful appearance. From smiling widely to cheek lifts and neck stretches, these exercises contribute to a healthier, happier you.
5. Meditate
Meditation is not just for yoga lovers; it’s for everyone seeking a calmer mind and a sharper memory. Beyond stress relief, meditating in routine improves concentration and focus. With our busy schedules, taking a few moments to meditate daily can significantly improve our mental health. A focused mind translates to better decision-making, which can propel you toward achieving your career goals in the coming year.
6. Prioritise breakfast
Time constraints, busy schedules, lack of appetite in the morning, and sometimes misguided attempts at weight loss make us skip breakfast. However, breakfast is the main meal, controlling a significant portion of our health. It kickstarts our metabolism, stabilises blood sugar levels, and boosts our energy for the day ahead. Prioritising breakfast also promotes healthier food choices throughout the day and prevents binge-eating.
7. Fix your sleep hours
By getting good sleep, you give your body and brain a chance to recharge. It promotes mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical recovery. This makes you feel active, focused, and ready for next-day tasks. However, it’s equally important not to oversleep, as excessive sleep can lead to grogginess and disrupt the balance required for physical and mental functioning. Fix your sleeping hours between 7 to 9 hours and plan the activities for the following day.
8. Limit screen time at bedtime
Excess screen time before bedtime can disrupt our sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with melatonin production. It is the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep cycle. Limit or avoid mobiles or other gadgets before bedtime to allow your mind to unwind naturally. It’ll allow you more restful and restorative sleep.
9. Include nuts in your diet
One of the overlooked health resolutions is the simple act of including nuts in your diet. While many of us may be familiar with nuts, at the same time, many of us must be passing on the nuts without noticing their nutritional value. Packed with essential nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants, nuts offer multiple health benefits. These not only support heart health but also satisfy our hunger and provide sustained energy.
Nuts make the best healthy munching snacks. Tailor your nut consumption to the seasons, opting for warming nuts in winter and cooling ones in summer. Pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios and cashews nuts are the best choices for winter. Raisins, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds are the best nut choices for summer.
10. Correct hydration
Lastly, correct hydration is extremely important and directly connected to health goals. Adequate hydration not only supports bodily functions but also helps control appetite. Having water before meals can contribute to weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. As you enter another year, aim for a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated.
As we embark on the journey into 2024, let’s go beyond just merely setting resolutions and instead be committed to our health. While it’s not imperative to adopt all suggested health resolutions. You can tailor them according to your convenience and align them with your unique health goals. Embracing these overlooked commitments might unveil the secret to a healthier and happier version of yourself. Cheers to a fulfilling and health-focused 2024!
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