For many, the New Year provides a blank slate. It is a chance to start over and take control of your health and wellness. In fact, one in five Brits has already made a resolution this year. Unsurprisingly, doing more exercise, eating better and losing weight top the list. But getting healthier does not necessarily mean you have to start a highly restrictive diet or an intense workout plan. After all, setting unrealistic goals results in most people breaking their resolutions within a matter of weeks or even days.
With this in mind, it only seems fitting that we share our top New Year’s resolutions that you can actually keep and that will allow you to lead a healthier life. Read on to discover how to kick 2023 off to a good start and prioritise your New Year’s health.
1. Get Active
While we enormously benefit from the freedom and convenience that technology offers, many of us are sitting more and moving less. This has resulted in a growing number of health-related issues, such as obesity and heart disease. To improve your health, it is important to exercise more.
Remember that you do not have to aim high with your exercise goals. Simply walking for 15 minutes a day can make a world of difference and help you stay on top of your health. Similarly, studies show that you are more likely to benefit from doing a small amount of regular resistance training than doing one intense session. This highlights the benefits of setting attainable goals that suit your lifestyle.
2. Eat Right
In the same vein, diet is just as important for optimal health. Eating the right foods significantly reduces the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Though it is wise to ditch the ‘all or nothing’ approach and instead focus on getting a balanced diet. For example, make sure you are getting your 5-a-day and drink plenty of fluids.
3. Quit Smoking
If you regularly smoke, you may want to work towards your non-smoker status this year. After all, within the first few years of quitting, the risk of serious health problems drops dramatically.
However, it is fair to say that putting down the lighter is not always easy. But to give yourself a fighting chance at success, you may want to consult your GP or find a local stop-smoking service for support.
4. Have A Health Screen
Naturally, we tend to seek medical attention when we feel under the weather. But if you wait for symptoms to develop before you see a GP, your health may be compromised. That is why it is important to routinely attend health checks. This can help you get an early diagnosis for both acute and chronic conditions, improving your health in the long run.
5. Practice Mindfulness
At some point or another, you may be plagued with feelings of anxiety and stress. But you should not let your past or future experiences define your present. After all, anxiety can not only affect your mental health but your physical health as well. For instance, research suggests that anxiety is associated with heart disease.
The good news is that practising mindfulness can alleviate stress and help you manage your emotions. Mindfulness is all about being present and focusing on where you are and what you are doing. This makes it easier to live in the here and now, appreciating the little things. To learn more, read our guide on how to take care of your mental health.
6. Try Yoga
If you are looking to improve respiration, energy, and flexibility, practising yoga may be the right choice for you. Not to mention, yoga has been shown to help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of this discipline.
7. Decide On A Sleep Schedule And Stick To It
While it may be easier to focus on more obvious ways to improve your health, getting more sleep should not be overlooked. A good night’s rest can do wonders for your physical and mental health, boosting your energy and improving your mood.
It is advisable to create a sleep schedule and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will improve your sleep-wake cycle. If you are struggling to fall asleep, leave your room and do something relaxing, such as stretching or reading a book. Once you start to feel sleepy, go back to bed and try to fall asleep again.
8. Drink Less Alcohol
Excess drinking can lead to high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease and strokes. So, it is no surprise that more and more people are cutting back on alcohol to prioritise their health. Keep in mind that you do not have to go completely cold turkey. Instead, set a reasonable goal, such as only drinking on the weekends.
9. Cut Back On Your Screen Time
It is fair to say that many of us depend on our screens to get through the day. However, too much screen time is associated with obesity, high blood pressure and many other physical health effects. That is why it is a good idea to set a resolution to limit your time scrolling on your phone or watching TV.
10. Get Out Of The House
Constantly being inside can lead to stress and mental fatigue, so it’s worth setting a resolution to get out and explore more. Spending more time outside does not mean you have to travel very far. There are plenty of beautiful places to explore right on our doorsteps, such as local parks and nature reserves.
11. Follow A Whole-Food-Based Diet
If you are looking to get the most out of every meal, you may want to consider ditching processed foods and switching to a whole-food-based diet. Whole foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits and whole grains provide the nutrients required to maintain optimal health. Changing your diet is not always easy. That is why it is advisable to slowly start introducing more whole foods into your diet as opposed to immediately changing what you eat.
12. Cook At Home
Data shows that those who have less than three home-cooked meals a week are 28% more likely to be overweight and 24% more likely to have excess body fat. Relying less on takeaways and convenience foods and increasing the number of home-cooked meals you consume can help you effectively manage your physical health.
13. Designate Time For Grocery Shopping
Of course, the key to successful home cooking is making sure that the fridge is well-stocked with quality, nutritious ingredients. Therefore, it makes sense to set 1 day of the week aside to go grocery shopping. This will make it easier to improve the quality of your diet.
14. Use More Natural Household Products
Not only is it a good idea to focus on what you put into your body but also the products you choose to put onto your skin. From beauty products and laundry detergents to cleaning and personal care products, it is wise to choose products with fewer harmful substances. This will help you protect your body from the outside in.
15. Keep Your Mind Active
As we start to get up there in years, our cognitive function may start to decline. In some cases, this can lead to the development of dementia. The good news is that research shows that there is a relationship between education and the risk of dementia. By dedicating more time to learning, you can boost your brainpower and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The Key Takeaway
It is easy to break New Year’s resolutions. But thankfully, you can set yourself up for success by setting realistic and achievable resolutions that will improve both your physical and mental well-being in the long run. Aiming for improvement as opposed to perfection will make it easier to stick to your goals and put your health at the forefront. If you are looking to take your health to the next level, read our guide on holistic health.
Get A Health Check-Up At Midland Health
We offer private health check-ups with experienced GPs, allowing you to prioritise your New Year’s health and get comprehensive advice at short notice. There is no need to wait until you have symptoms to see one of our professionals. Simply call us on 0121 769 0999 or drop an email to hello@midlandhealth.co.uk to book an appointment today.
FAQ
How can I have a healthy New Year?
You can improve your health this New Year by setting the following resolutions:
- Eating right
- Managing your weight
- Taking part in a physical activity you enjoy
- Getting more sleep
- Drinking less alcohol
- Taking steps to quit smoking
- Practising mindfulness
How can I keep healthy in 2023?
To break the cycle of giving up on your health-focused New Year’s resolutions, it makes sense to create a realistic plan. Part of this plan should include a routine health check-up. That way, you can work with your GP to map out the lifestyle changes you should make this year.
What should my New Year’s resolutions be for 2023?
Living a healthier life should be one of your top priorities this year. Whether that means exercising more, drinking less, or improving your diet, setting resolutions with your health in mind can improve your quality of life.
What are the things that I should change about my health for 2023?
If you want to make 2023 the healthiest year of your life, it is a good idea to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Move more
- Sleep for at least eight hours a night
- Get timely health checks
- Limit your screen time
- Learn new things
- Take time to relax and practise self-care