As we end the year and say hello to 2019, the Christmas feasting will probably take a knock to that healthy diet you may…or may not have had. But as we turn over a new leaf, this new year might be the chance for you finally get onto that health kick bandwagon. So here are a few tips on maintaining your health in the new year.
Drink Plenty Of H2o
It’s the simple things in life that can be a substantial difference, and when it comes to water, it’s the best thing you can do for maintaining your health.
It’s recommended we drink 1.5litres of it a day, and if you break it down into ounces (which would be around 50), that’s not a huge amount over the course of the day. There are many health benefits of drinking water and that’s no surprise considering we’re made up of around 60% of it. Water can help give us more energy; it can clear up the skin and keep it hydrated. It can help with the dreaded hangovers after a crazy night out, and it is the medicine that makes you better when you’re feeling sick. If you find a lot of water hard to drink, try adding pieces of fresh fruit or vegetables to the water to give it more flavor. Orange, lemon, and cucumber are all popular suggestions.
Do a Workout That’s Fun For You
Ok so maybe fun and exercise aren’t normally two words that go together when you get up at 6 am to go to the gym, but exercise can at least be bearable if it’s something you actually want to do. Some people enjoy running long distance while others prefer weight training. Whatever works best for you is what you should try and focus your energy on in the new year. Working out doesn’t have to be boring and it can be done quickly if you have the right system in place.
Get Plenty Of Vitamins And Minerals
Throughout the year, there will be colder months with less sunlight, and it’s important to make sure your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to function effectively. Here is a break down of all those essentials:
- Vitamin A improves eye health and general growth development. It also provides you with healthy teeth and skin. Carrots and other orange foods like sweet potato are rich in this vitamin.
- B Vitamins are good for energy production and keeping your immune system functioning at its best. Look for unprocessed foods like whole grains, beans, bananas, and potatoes.
- Vitamin C is a great one for strengthening the blood vessels and giving skin its elasticity. Eat fruits like oranges, kiwis and strawberries. Brussel sprouts are also high in this vitamin.
- Vitamin D promotes strong, healthy bones so soak up that sunlight (but wear plenty of SPF) and eat lots of eggs, fish and mushrooms.
There are plenty more essential vitamins and minerals for maintaining health, so do a little research to help plan out your healthy eating regime for January.
Put A Limit On Alcohol & Smoking
You may not do either, but alcohol and smoking are two habits that can end up really damaging your body if you’re not careful. So for the new year, perhaps think about how much alcohol consumption you have per week and then try to halve it. Take part in a monthly challenge like sober October to see if you can go without it. Smoking, known by pretty much everyone, can cause serious health problems after continued use so try and cut back. Don’t just go cold turkey because this will probably reduce your chances of stopping altogether. Both these are expensive habits so imagine the money you could save too.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Keeping an eye on your body is important to avoid any underlying issues that may go ignored if not checked up on. Book yourself in for a body MOT every so often and discuss with your doctor any personal concerns you may have in relation to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and get it checked out. The same goes with the dentist, and to some, it can be a real fear that stops people from going. Just know though that if the worst does happen, at least you know how you can treat it and maintain your health.
Sexual health is also something to pay close attention to and again if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or consult a specialist. Practice safe sex and encourage your partner (if you have one) to do the same.
Maintaining Health with Rest And Learning To Say No
Maintaining health is not only what we eat, it’s how we rest too. We can sometimes put our bodies through immense pressure and stress, and we can often ignore the signals that we need rest. Don’t deny your body this time to repair and recover. The start of a new year can be hectic but learn to say no and spend more time focusing on yourself. Work may demand a lot from you, but you don’t have to give in to the pressure if you don’t want to. Remember, you come first.
It’s recommended you get at least 7 hours sleep a night so try to adhere as close to that as you can. Yes, we all function with less or more rest but our bodies need enough hours to repair and recover fully. Maintaining your health is crucial for you to do good work.
Be Aware Of Your Mental Health
A healthy body is no use without a healthy mind, and it’s important to keep tabs on it through life. We all experience hardship and tough days that can really affect our state of mind. Some can bounce back quicker than others so don’t be afraid to confront these feelings head on and seek advice if you’re struggling. More companies are getting involved with the mental health of its employees, and luckily the stigma towards mental health is slowly changing. Don’t bottle up the emotions and find ways that work for you to make you feel more you. Maintaining your health is full circle – it’s what you eat, how you rest, how you treat your mind and your body.
As it’s nearly the start of a new year, reflect on how this year has gone for you. There might be issues you want to face regarding your health so make this the year where the change is made. Work towards a new and improved you in both body and mind.
