Yes, it’s about that time of year again: time to review your 2015 accomplishments – more specifically, the resolutions you made at the start of the year – and make your 2016 list.
How’s the year gone for you? Did you take your healthy resolutions to heart … or are you doomed to repeat them (unsuccessfully) in 2016? Here’s a simple game plan for success in the new year: health and wellness resolutions that are manageable, achievable and make you feel great!
1 The 30-Minute Rule: No matter the day, no matter the dead-lines, find at least 30 minutes (at once or in 10 minute blocks) to be physically active. Whether it’s taking an after-dinner stroll, biking to work, walking the dog or playing tag with the kids, find ways to inject motion into your daily life.
2 Keep the Couch Clean: Limit your television time ( and especially your kids’ time) as much as possible. In general, there’s a direct correlation between time spent on the couch and two unhealthy habits: moving less and snacking more.
3 Ditch Dessert: Change your nondset when it comes to eating dessert every night. You can do it by only treating yourself to dessert a few nights a week or by expanding your definition of dessert to include fruit, yogurt or even a non-sugary snack (crackers and cheese, carrots with spinach dip, etc).
4 It’s a Water World: And we don’t just mean in the sense of drinking more, which has numerous health and weight-loss benefits. We also mean swimming more (exercise), taking more relaxaing baths (stress relief) and when weather permits, enjoying more outdoors time with friends and family.
5 Time Outs Aren’t Just for Kids: Stress can be a killer, both literally and figuratively. Form a resolution perspective, it can waylay even your best efforts, putting you in an irritated, agitated mood in which you’d rather sit on the couch and eat a gallon of ice cream than stick to “the plan.” When you’re feeling stressed, take a time out; a few deep breaths, a quick walk and a little time to process your thoughts can go a long way.
Make 2016 your best year ever by taking these and other healthy-living tips to heart. Don’t think you can do it alone? Then make your resolutions with your partner or a friend and encourage one another to shared success. You’ll both be grateful you did.