It’s that happy time of year again when we all make promises. The trouble with resolutions is that they usually get broken. Often, this is due to the fact that they are unrealistic. Health dominated the headlines in 2020, and many of us will be starting 2021 with a desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore realistic health resolutions you can actually stick to. Here are some top tips to boost your wellbeing in the months ahead.
Exercise
January is traditionally a time when people embark upon new fitness plans and strive to increase activity levels. While some will succeed in adapting to a new way of life, others will fall by the wayside within weeks, or even days. If you’re eager to be more active, there are ways to make life easier and to implement changes that will fit in with your schedule. If you’re a busy parent, for example, it may not be realistic to set yourself a daily goal of 10,000 steps or to try and get to the gym 4 times a week for a session with a personal trainer. Establish targets that are both manageable and relevant to your individual aims. You could start incorporating a daily walk with the kids, you could hire a trainer to work with virtually, or you could invest in home gym equipment. It’s also possible to access video workouts through your TV or laptop and you can join group sessions if you fancy some company. It’s also an excellent idea to introduce active pursuits to your children, family members and friends. Instead of hibernating at the weekends and spending all day under a duvet watching movies, get out and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a bike ride or a long walk, follow a nature trail or organize a treasure hunt in the garden. If you get used to being active every day, it will soon become part of your routine.
Research and seeking expert advice
Be honest. How often do you Google symptoms or read articles that may not necessarily be from reputable sources? Many of us are guilty of consuming content we see on social media or find online, and we don’t take the time to verify information or check with health professionals. In 2021, make it your mission to undertake research or seek expert advice if you have questions or queries. From fad diets and the benefits of deer antler supplement to symptoms of flu and treatments for headaches, there’s a wealth of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. Search for trustworthy content and don’t hesitate to contact a doctor, personal trainer, physiotherapist or nutritionist if you have concerns or questions about your health or the lifestyle choices you make.
Healthy eating
This is the time of year when people usually flock to gyms and start dieting. After the indulgences of the festive period, it’s common to start the year with intentions to lose weight. Healthy eating is not the same as dieting, and there are risks attached to fad diets and methods used to lose weight rapidly. The primary focus of healthy eating is to improve nutrition. Your body relies on you to supply it with vital nutrients and vitamins and minerals. If you want to drop a few pounds, or you’ve made it your mission to hit your target weight, resist the temptation to cut out food groups or try and survive on cabbage soup for weeks on end. Fad diets may trigger speedy weight loss, but people tend to put weight back on as quickly as they lose it, and following strict regimes that are not nutritionally balanced can be harmful for your health. Instead of going on a diet, switch to a nutrition focused healthy eating plan.
Keeping up with appointments
It’s not always possible to prevent illness, but in some cases, keeping up to date with appointments and checks can help to reduce the risks dramatically. If you’ve ignored invitations for screening tests, or you haven’t been to the dentist for years, pick up the phone and make those calls today.
At this time of year, many people make resolutions to improve their health and wellbeing. If you find that the novelty of going to the gym or trying a new diet wears off after a few weeks, make 2021 the year you stick to your guns.
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