For many of us, the beginning of every year is a time where we think about and set some goals (or resolutions) around our health and happiness. It can also be a time where we get disheartened as we start with the best of intentions and within weeks our well-meaning goals are forgotten as we become distracted in the pattern of everyday life.
Sound familiar? If you can relate but still want to make this year your healthiest yet, then here are seven great little habits for you to start implementing today that are easy to maintain.
Habit 1 – Get an extra hour sleep
The research is clear; sleep is the key to good health. If you are getting only four to five hours of sleep, you are essentially acting drunk the next day – that is how much sleep affects our cognition, performance and productivity.
You need to be getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Too often in our society, a lack of sleep is worn as a badge of honour, a sign of our commitment to career success. While you may feel like you are getting more done, you are far more productive after a good sleep. While we are talking about good sleep habits also be sure to pack your screens away an hour before you go to sleep. That includes your phone, tablet, laptop and TV.
Habit 2 – Take a lunch break (away from your screen)
In a bid to get in front of a growing to-do list, it can be easy to fall into the trap of eating lunch at your computer. But you need to step away for regular breaks to aid digestion, clear your mind and maintain productivity. You will find that by switching off – even for a short time – will increase your energy, focus, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Habit 3 – Make a list of things that bring you joy – and do them
It is easy to forget that happiness is a choice, not something that happens to us. We don’t need to wait for moments of joy to find us; we can take it upon ourselves to create them. Make a list of the things that bring you joy, regardless of how ridiculous or childish they sound, and find ways to incorporate them into your daily life.
Habit 4 – Look for exercise opportunities
When we are busy, it can be hard to find opportunities to fit in regular exercise, but it can be easier when we get a little creative. Look at the activities in your daily life and identify ways you can take a more active approach.
It could be taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a block (or extra block) away, to keep active from taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting off at an earlier bus stop or going for a walking meeting.
Habit 5 – Know your weaknesses and find healthy alternatives
Let’s face it. We all have little temptations that can trip us up in a moment of weakness – like that 3pm chocolate craving. To prevent yourself from stumbling, have some healthy alternatives around you when cravings usually hit.
Habit 6 – Enjoy the sunshine
Research is finding that we are becoming more deficient in Vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight we are being exposed to. This essential Vitamin helps us absorb calcium effectively, which helps muscle function and increases bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis. So make sure you get a good dose of sunshine each day.
Habit 7 – Detox and cleanse regularly
Our bodies are bombarded with chemicals and toxins daily. They are found in the foods we eat, the products we use on our bodies and in our homes and they are created as a result of the constant stress we put ourselves under
Thankfully, there are specific supplements that can cleanse your systems and eliminate toxins. I work with herbs, vitamins, and ionic minerals for cleansing. If you do want to cleanse your body more regularly, contact me for a FREE 30-minute consultation. Just imagine how different you will feel in 30-days after giving your body a reboot!
How do you plan to make this your healthiest year yet?
