10 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Lifestyle

When thinking about making resolutions for the New Year, the chances are that improving your health is one of the top items on your list. Here are 10 ideas to help you get started on your path to a healthier lifestyle.

1. Make Time for Physical Activity

Get active and make time for physical activity each day. Whether it is a quick walk outdoors or a 30-minute workout at the gym, make sure you get your heart rate up, and your body is moving.

Exercise is essential for overall health. Make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. You can break up your workout into three 10-minute sessions or do one 30-minute session. Also, try to vary your workouts to keep things interesting.

Hot Tub Exercise

Have you considered bringing your next workout to the water? Exercising in your hot tub can prove to be beneficial in many different ways. For starters, it's much easier on your body. This low-impact environment takes the stress away from sore joints and muscles, making it easier to perform certain movements and exercises.

Another benefit of working out in the water, and specifically a hot tub, is that it can be more effective than on dry land. The water provides resistance for your body to work against. Have you ever noticed that your body often moves slower when inside the water than when on dry land? This is because your body has to move through the water, giving it something extra to work against. This can result in a higher calorie burn and stronger muscles!

2. Eat Cleaner and Healthier

Eating cleaner doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply try to make more meals from scratch, and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, and make sure you get enough fiber and protein.

Eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health. Make sure you are fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods from all food groups.

3. Cut Back on Sugar

Sugar is addictive and can be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities. Cut back on sugar in your diet by avoiding sugary drinks and candy and choosing healthier alternatives like fruits and honey.

4. Drink More Water

Drinking water is essential for good health. Make sure you drink enough water each day and avoid sugary drinks. Drinking water can help you lose weight, improve your mood, and increase energy.

5. Get More Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health. Most people need at least eight hours of sleep per night. Consider going to bed and waking up simultaneously each day to help ensure you are getting enough sleep.

Did you know that hydrotherapy is incredibly effective for improving sleep patterns? That's right, the calming and warm environment inside your hot tub is the perfect remedy to help your body relax and prepare for a full night of rest and relaxation.

6. Reduce Stress

Stress can hurt your health, so it's crucial to find ways to reduce it. Try some of these tips:

• Take a yoga class
• Meditate
• Play with your children or pet
• Join a social activity group
• Take a dance class
• Take a walk outside
• Listen to calming music
• Take a break from electronics
• Eliminate negative people from your life
• Soak in a hot tub

Once your stress has been reduced, you will likely see your health improve in a number of different ways! For many, they experience reduced weight gain, better eating and sleeping patterns, more energy, improved mood, and better overall health!

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking is terrible for your health and can cause several health problems. It is also expensive. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and wallet.

If you experience difficulty quitting smoking, you can find someone to help you through the process or use a quitting aid.

You should also:

• Commit to quitting smoking.
• Throw out all of your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays.
• Make a list of things that will help you stop, such as avoiding triggers and finding support.

It can be tough to stick to a New Year’s resolution, especially when staying healthy.

8. Eat Breakfast Every Day

There are countless reasons why you should eat breakfast every day, but here are just a few:

1. Eating breakfast helps jump-start your metabolism and gets your day started on the right foot.

2. Breakfast provides you with the energy to tackle the day head-on.

3. A nutritious breakfast can help keep you focused throughout the day. Skipping breakfast can make you feel tired and irritable.

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to help you stay focused and energized. Good breakfast options include oatmeal, eggs, whole-grain toast, and yogurt.

9. Cut Back on Alcohol Consumption

This year, commit to cutting back on your alcohol consumption.

Excessive drinking can harm your health in several ways. It can damage your liver, increase your cancer risk, and make you gain weight. If you’re looking to improve your health in the New Year, try making some of the following resolutions:

• Reserve at least two days a week for alcohol-free living.
• Avoid drinking too fast or drinking on an empty stomach.
• Drink plenty of water between alcoholic drinks.
• Avoid drinking spirits if you’re driving.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Pace yourself by sipping on drinks rather than gulping them down.
• Choose lower-alcohol drinks, such as beer or wine, over hard liquor.
• Don’t drink if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Don’t drink if you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that interact with alcohol.
• Seek help if you’re worried about your drinking or think you might have a problem with alcohol.

10. Reduce Screen Time

If you spend most of your time on the computer, phone, or TV, it's time to cut back. Try to limit screen time to 2 hours a day or less. Use these tips to cut back on screen time:

• Set a time limit for yourself.
• Turn off electronics 30 minutes before bed.
• Don't use electronics in bed.
• Find other activities to do instead of using electronics.
• Get outside and enjoy nature.
• Play with your children or pet.
• Join a social activity group.
• Take a dance class.
• Join a gym.
• Spend time in the hot tub!
• Make time for yourself each day to relax and de-stress.

Bonus: Make a Plan

Making a plan is a great way to make sure you stick to your resolutions. When it comes to staying healthy, here are a few things you can do:

1. Choose a time every day when you will exercise.

2. Make sure you have healthy snacks and meals prepared ahead of time.

3. Choose a day each week when you will grocery shop and cook.

4. Plan out your workouts and make a schedule.

5. Find a buddy to exercise with.

6. Create a goal for yourself, such as losing a certain amount of weight or getting in shape for a race.

7. Post your goals online or in a visible place to keep you accountable.

8. Put your phone away during meals.

9. Drink plenty of water and avoid soda and other sugary drinks.

10. Boost your backyard space with the addition of a hot tub!

Stay Positive and Don’t Give Up!

The new year is a time for resolutions, and for many, improving their health is at the top of the list. The above tips can help you live a healthier lifestyle.

It can be hard to change your behaviors, but that shouldn't worry you. Instead, stay positive until you achieve your New Year goals. What's the need to give up when you know you can accomplish all you want!