Each January, one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way, but only about 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals. It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s Resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. So this year, pick a few worthy resolutions and find success.
Here’s to your health!
- Make Time for Meditation
Although stress may be an inevitable part of life, the benefits of meditation are endless (think better sleep and more focus). Download an app, watch a guided video, or listen to a podcast.
- Stay in Touch
Have friends or family that have fallen by the wayside? Reconnect! Research suggests people with strong social ties live longer than those who don’t. In fact, a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much as alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Cut Back on Alcohol
While small amounts of alcohol have some proven health benefits, overindulging is a problem and may result in you visiting a site like theohanahawaii.com looking for treatment. Excess alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing seizures, memory loss, depression, and more.
- Get More Sleep
According to experts the optimal sleep schedule is from 10 PM to 6 AM because of our body’s natural circadian rhythm. Can’t meet that time? Take a nap – and don’t feel guilty!
- Develop a New Skill or Hobby
Trying something new can boost memory skills and research indicates that those who complained of major boredom were roughly twice as likely to die from heart disease.
- Eat Less Meat
Whether you’re slimming down or just staying well, fruits and vegetables are your friends. Make the plant-based switch (permanenetly or just a couple days per week) to facilitate weight loss and improve overall health.
- Stay Organized with Appointments
Download a calendar app and plan out appointments well in advance. Not only will you cut stress levels by staying organized, you are more likely to get the appointment at your preferred time.
- Become a Plant Owner
Swing by your local garden center this weekend. Just the presence of indoor plants can lower human stress levels and people who work near plants report greater concentration, satisfaction, and air quality.
- Take Back your Lunch Break
Only one in five Americans actually take a lunch break, even though doing so has been linked to increased productivity. Take that midday pause and grab some fresh air, meditate, or get in some extra steps.
- Switch Up Your Exercise Routine
Any exercise is good for you, but one study found that people who worked out in multiple ways were able to slow their bodies aging process. Try everything; the possibilities are endless!