2022 is here, and it is time to reset and focus on the year ahead! While weight loss and exercise are typically included in New Year’s resolutions, it is important to focus on overall health that can be maintained rather than strict lifestyle changes that usually don’t last. If you are looking to focus on your physical and mental health this year, here are a few tips for living healthy in 2022.
Eat Healthy
After a few weeks of indulging, most people are ready to get back into a healthy eating routine by the time the New Year rolls around. While many people start off strong and fill their home with healthy foods, if the change is too drastic it’s easy to fall back into a poor eating habit pretty quickly. This year, instead of being too restrictive or following a fad diet, make small changes to your diet and focus on using healthy ingredients. Spend a bit more time planning meals, shopping for healthy groceries, and preparing nutritious meals for yourself and your family. Maintaining a healthy diet is an integral part of overall health, and is a great way to ensure that you’re feeling your best this year.
Exercise Regularly
Moving your body through exercise is extremely beneficial for both the body and the mind. Doctors recommend getting around 150 minutes of exercise per week, which breaks down to just over 20 minutes everyday, or 30 minutes 5 days a week. Anyone can find time to exercise, even if you can’t make it to the gym. There are countless at-home workout programs available online, many of which don’t cost anything. Simple exercises like walking or running outside is also a great way to stay in shape and keep your body moving. Exercise is important for heart and overall health, but can also reduce stress and have a positive impact on your mental health.
Get Enough Sleep
When you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to get adequate sleep. Sleep is a key component of living a healthy life. Experts recommend getting around 8 hours of sleep per night. Besides getting a good amount of sleep, it is also important to try to stay on a sleep schedule of going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. This can help ensure you are getting the best quality sleep possible, and help you to feel more rested throughout the day. This year, set a bedtime for yourself, leave electronic devices outside your bedroom, and focus on making sleep a priority for your health.
Set Goals
Whether you want to quit smoking, form stronger relationships or drop a few pounds, setting goals and creating a plan can help you achieve them. It may seem cliché to make resolutions, but it can be a great way to plan out what you want to achieve in the next year and figure out how you will make it happen. Take a look at your current health and see where and how you can improve. Once you identify these goals, write out a plan of attack and work each day to achieve them.
Focus on Mental Health
It is common for people to focus on their physical health, yet neglect their mental health. Having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body and you usually cannot have one without the other. In 2022, take time to check in with yourself and be honest about how you are feeling. It has been a tough few years for everyone and if you feel like your mental health has been suffering, it may be time to make some changes. Take time to meditate, practice yoga, journal or anything else that can help reduce stress and boost your mental health. If you still feel like you’re not in a great place, therapy can be an effective treatment with both in-person and online options available. Having a healthy mind looks different for everyone, so find out what works best for you.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you reset and focus on your health in 2022. It’s important to remember every small thing adds up when it comes to health, and a change won’t happen overnight. This year, focus on getting and staying healthy with lifestyle changes you can maintain. For more tips and advice on healthy living, visit our blog at www.southwoodshealth.com/category/blog.
