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Many people erroneously focus their New Year’s resolutions on vague health goals such as losing weight. Rather than looking to make a big change, you are better off instituting a series of targeted resolutions that will improve your health on a larger scale. Here are 10 of the best ways to improve your health in 2022 that do not involve having to stare at the scale willing it to move.
Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, the number one thing that you can do for your health this year is to kick this habit once and for all. While it is understandably challenging to break the habit of smoking, doing so is detrimental to your health. Some people find success with strategies such as relaxation techniques, support groups, or nicotine replacement products. It is important to not replace your smoking habit with vaping or any other type of crutch.
Get Your ZZZs
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You cannot expect to enjoy good health without a commitment to getting a proper amount of sleep each night. Most experts say that you should aim to get at least eight hours of sleep each day. It may be tempting to try to squeeze more into your day. However, you are better off making quality sleep a priority. Creating an ideal sleeping environment and setting aside the right amount of time will help you to achieve this goal.
Drink More Water
One of the easiest ways to boost your health in 2022 is to be more purposeful about drinking more water each day. Over half of the human body is made up of water, making it important that you are committed to replenishing these stores. Proper water intake serves a variety of functions, including flushing out toxins, hydrating the skin, and improving kidney health. Start your day by chugging a big glass of water as you make that cup of coffee. You will also likely be more successful in reaching this goal if you keep a big water bottle near you throughout the day.
Boost Fruit and Veggie Intake
There are a number of different diet changes that you can make to improve your health in the coming months. Boosting your intake of fruits and vegetables should be a key cornerstone of your diet goals. You should strive to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, ideally more. This food group delivers a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals without a significant amount of added fat and calories. The fiber will also help to keep you full for longer.
Work in Short Bursts of Movement
A regular exercise routine is always beneficial for your health. However, many people do not always have the time to enjoy a long workout. The good news is that you can work in short bursts of movement throughout your day to achieve this same goal. Good ideas include taking the stairs instead of the elevator when possible, parking in the farthest parking spot from the entrance when running errands, and taking quick walks around the block as time allows. Getting a fitness tracker is another good idea if you want to see how your steps and movements are adding up throughout the day.
Practice Gratitude
Along with focusing on your physical health, you should also be mindful of taking care of your mental health. Practicing gratitude is one of the ways that you can boost your mental health. Keeping a journal of the good things that happen each day will help you to be more grateful. This sense of gratitude can have a meaningful impact on how you view life, improving your mental and emotional health as a result.
Read Nutritional Labels
The simple act of reading nutritional labels can make you a more informed consumer. While it may take a bit of practice to learn to spot the most important elements, you will soon be able to take a quick glance and glean the information that you need to make the best eating decisions for your health. Components to look at on the label include total fat and calories, fiber, protein, and added sugar.
Laugh More
Laughter is often the best medicine for what ails you. Making a concerted effort to laugh more can improve both your physical and mental health. This may mean that you need to be purposeful about spending time with friends and family. Rather than looking at social time as an indulgence, look at it as an imperative part of your overall plan for better health.
Be Mindful of Posture and Ergonomics
It may seem like a minor issue but your posture can have a driving influence on how you look and feel. This makes it important to be mindful of your posture. Do this by thinking about your current postures as you sit at your desk or talk on the phone. Taking the time to adjust your posture can help you to avoid debilitating back pain in the future. If you spend time working at a computer, it is also a good idea to consider the ergonomics of your workstation. Maybe this means that you need to readjust your computer monitor or choose a chair that delivers better back support? It is also recommended to take regular breaks throughout the workday.
Schedule Preventative Medicine Appointments
Lastly, you want to be diligent about staying on top of your preventative medicine appointments. Have you been putting off that breast exam or colonoscopy? Now is the time to get those appointments on the books. Along with making these appointments, take the simple steps to take a daily vitamin or any other type of supplement that may be beneficial for your personal health needs.
These 10 tips are some of the best targeted steps that you can take to improve your health in the year ahead. Pick just a few of these tips to start and watch how your health takes off in the coming months.
