January. A month for New Year’s resolutions and health kicks. But what exactly is a “healthy” lifestyle?
While a healthy lifestyle can mean different things for different people, generally, healthy living means taking care of your holistic wellbeing. It extends beyond exercise to include food, work, social activity and your relationship with the environment.
Luckily, there are many simple and effective things you can do to achieve the perfect mind-body-soul balance. So, we’ve put together 5 healthy tips to get you started.
Make time for downtime
It’s natural to want to accomplish more, especially this month when New Year’s resolutions are rife. But over-scheduling can actually make you less productive and leave you feeling burnt out. So, try to untangle yourself from work and do things that help you to feel relaxed, such as reading a book, running a warm bubble bath or going on a nature walk with the family.
Snack wisely
It’s tempting to reach for the sugary treats when feeling a little peckish – and that’s ok every now and then! But it’s all about balance, so try substituting things like crisps and chocolate for blueberries and healthy nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Your body will get the nutrition it needs, and it will make you feel good.
Get moving
It might sound like a cliché this time of year, but daily exercise brings tremendous benefits to your health. Just remember to choose exercises you enjoy and change up your routine to keep it interesting. You could even try setting yourself some realistic goals to help motivate you to move more.
Keep your friends close
A great excuse to catch up with some old friends, or even make some new ones. Socialising can have a big impact on your emotional health and wellbeing, so it’s important to surround yourself with people who make you happy – whether that is digitally or socially distanced. After all, happiness is contagious.
And… breathe.
Focusing your breathing will lay the foundations for a healthier life. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can boost your energy and calm a racing mind in a matter of minutes. So, get comfortable and inhale through your nose, one, two, three. Purse your lips and breathe out slowly. Try to do this a few times per day, or whenever you feel a wave of anxiety creeping in to alleviate your symptoms.
By making simple changes to your lifestyle with one (or all) of these health-boosting tips, you’ll be well on your way to making 2021 your healthiest year yet!
