Was your New Year’s Resolution to improve your health in 2019? Then you need to check out these cost-effective ways to do just that…
1: Get Active
This one is a bit of a no-brainer for improving your health. Getting active increases your fitness, aids digestion, improves your mood and helps with weight loss. Pick something that you enjoy and just get out there and do it. Walk the dog, go for a jog, take a fitness class, play a team sport, or dance like no one is watching. If you love doing it, you are more likely to stick at it.
2: Drink More Water
Swap your sugar and dairy filled coffee for a cool glass of water. Even mild dehydration can affect your physical abilities and mental cognition. So keeping your fluids up is important, especially in the warmer months when you sweat more. There doesn’t seem to be a consensus on how much water you should drink in a day. So listen to your body and drink a glass of water whenever you feel yourself starting to get thirsty.
3: Eat Healthy
While junk food might taste good, your body will thank you more for healthy food choices. Not only will it help you control your weight, but it will provide you with the nutrients you need for your body to run at maximum efficiency. Choosing a balanced diet to will keep you happy and healthy for 2019.
4: Get Social
Being healthy is not just about being fit, it is about your mental health also. Socialising is one of the best ways to prevent loneliness and allow yourself to focus on something other than work or family. So if you found that you got bogged down in 2018, prioritise social time with your friends and family this year.
5: Get Quality Sleep
A good night’s rest is one of the most important things that you can do in your daily routine. Lack of sleep can seriously affect your body and your mind. Prolonged lack of sleep can contribute to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. Keep your mind focused and your body ready to tackle 2019 by getting 7 to 8 hours sleep each night.
6: Step Away From Technology
While technology has its benefits for making our lives easier, it can also have harmful effects on our health. Extended computer use can cause back and neck pain as well as eye strain. Using devices such as smartphones at night time emit a certain type of blue light. That blue light can be damaging to your eyes and disrupts your sleeping. So this year, make sure you turn your phone off at least an hour before bedtime to ensure a good night’s rest.
7: Take Up Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and Meditation are a great way to reduce stress, balance the mind, improve immunity and boost your memory. Learning how to practice these methods correctly can positively affect your health. Combine both yoga and meditation with cardiovascular activity to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Prioritise learning these arts and you will be able to tackle the future with a strong body and mind.
8: Practice Gratitude
Being thankful for what you have lets you transform your life positively. Not only does it strengthen relationships, but it strengthens your mind, body and soul. By practising gratitude for a few short weeks you can enjoy a boosted immune system, less aches and pains, and a better quality of sleep. You will also see the emotional benefits of positivity, optimism and happiness. So, get grateful this year!
9: Go Green
Improving health does not solely mean your own personal health. We also need to improve the health of our planet. So doing your part to go green will not only help you live a cleaner life, but you will be doing your part to save the planet too. Recycle where possible, choose electronic methods instead of paper, live sustainably and do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint this year.
10: Travel
Alright, this one is not so cost effective, but investing in travel is worth every penny that you spend. Opening your mind to new experiences and travelling to exotic destinations can really boost your thirst for life. Taking time to get away can rejuvenate your mind and body. That means when you return to work you will have greater focus and increased productivity. Definitely, make travel a priority in 2019!