Write your resolutions down! Image credit: Pixabay
When it comes to setting up goals for the new year, weight loss often tops almost everyone’s list.
But optimal health isn’t just about losing pounds and shrinking waistlines, it’s about reaching a level of health where you really feel good about yourself.
Because let’s admit it, there is certainly nothing good about starving yourself or beating yourself up with a crazy exercise routine just to reach your “desired weight” for 2019. You’ll just end up in complete failure by the end of the first month of the year.
So for 2019, why not compile a list of resolutions that you will actually look forward to keeping – goals that promote a healthy mental and physical state without focusing on the scale. And write them down!
1. Get informed about your complete health status.
This way, you’ll get an in-depth look at different aspects of your general health, that can give you peace of mind, as well as save you time, money and stress in the long run.
If you do discover that you have a health problem, make sure to do your own research, so that you can be an informed healthcare consumer. It is simply not possible for your doctor to know everything about every health problem — and sometimes your doctor is a victim of misinformation. Here is an excellent book on how to avoid some of the worst parts of the healthcare system.
2. Aim to sleep better.
Sleep is one of the keys to maintain good health, and the lack thereof can cause a toll in your immune system, resulting to being prone to certain infectious diseases, and increasing your risk of obesity, diabetes and health problems.
So this year, vow to find ways to sleep better. If you’re always having trouble with getting adequate slumber, here are 9 Helpful Tips to Sleep Better at Night.
3. Eat healthier by practicing mindful eating.
Just because you won’t be focusing on the figures doesn’t mean you should not work your way to a good diet. However, know that diet doesn’t mean starving yourself or preparing bland, tasteless meals – ensuring a good diet means improving your habits around food.
There’s no need to follow those fad diets. Just practice mindful eating, a technique that involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body. When practiced successfully, this can result to weight loss, reduced binged eating and feeling good overall.
4. Be active, but do it for fun.
Nope, I’m not gonna force you to sign up for a gym membership or introduce you to a new workout routine. I’m just here to encourage you to find a physical activity that you would enjoy doing , whether it’s a hike with friends or a dance class. Because when you do what you love, you are more likely to stick with it because your mindset is in a positive state.
5. Prepare more home-cooked meals.
If you are one who’s always eating out or ordering takeouts, resolve to cooking at home as often as you can because not only will it save you bucks, it will also reduce calorie consumption. If you have zero skills in the kitchen, here’s an article where I talk about How You Can Eat Healthy When You Hate Cooking.
Remember, good health isn’t just about the numbers. Make 2019 your best year ever by focusing on wellness instead of weight loss, because through this, you’ll feel better, get healthier and as a bonus, lose wight without even noticing it.
