10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Shannon Paul
| 4 min read
New Year’s Resolutions in January are as common as houses with Christmas lights in December. Even with the right intentions, most people last until February but are unable to keep it up. Don’t just pick a resolution for the sake of having one; the only way to be successful with your efforts is to pick a goal you can pack a winning combination of passion and dedication behind.
If you’re looking for idea starters, check out our top 10 common resolutions and see if they inspire you to live a healthier 2012
1. Eat With a Purpose
Controlling your portions instead of dieting can dramatically improve your chances of weight loss. When creating meals, fill your plate with ½ fruits & veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ grains. If you’re looking for something simple, try Gourmet Everyday for delicious and healthy pre-planned meals.
2. Move Around
Most adults don’t get out of their work – home – sleep routine. If you include at least 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine, you will see results not only with your weight, but an increased energy level as well.
3. Don’t Lie to Your Dentist and Actually Floss
Dentists can spot indications of diabetes and heart disease during an exam so stick to the truth when it comes to flossing. A simple solution to head off bacteria in the mouth is brushing your teeth and flossing every day. Add an extra 5 minutes to your morning and night routines to help guarantee a successful resolution.
4. Why Haven’t You Quit Already?
Trying to quit smoking may be the most frequent and most difficult resolution because it is so challenging. Create daily reminders of the benefits and take advantage of the resources today so you can be a successful non-smoker this time next year.
5. Pick Up the Phone
If you have let some friends and loved ones slip through the cracks, be sure to reach out to them on a regular basis. Monthly phone calls can help boost your psychological health as well as build better relationships.
6. Increase Antioxidants
Cigarette smoke, broken down food and radiation all produce free radicals in your body. Over time, the damage from these substances can result in infection, cancer, heart disease and inflammation. Help your body defend itself by including rich sources of antioxidants into your diet. Great examples are pomegranates, coffee and even chocolate!
7. Diminish Harmful Stress
Everyone has stress in his or her life, but finding ways to handle it makes for an excellent resolution. Enroll in a yoga class to relax your body, call a friend to vent about anything that is frustrating you, take a walk around the block without answering your phone or find your own way to make you refresh your mind. Ifyou feel like you need a massage, go get one, and try Massage Envy to find a session near you.
8. Build Those Muscles
If you already have a semi-steady workout plan, add an extra 10 minutes for strength training. This extra step will help you gain more energy, have stronger bones and increase your metabolism.
9. Wear Sunscreen During Every Season
The sun is still out even at 30 degrees in the middle of January. Wearing sunscreen on exposed skin can dramatically reduce your risk of sun damage and possible skin cancer.
10. Hit the Snooze
It is difficult to get a good night’s rest if you don’t settle your mind or have reminders going off in your head. Read a book to settle down before bed, write down everything that pops into your head to remember for the next day, get a full 8 hours of sleep to prevent fatigue during the day and avoid caffeine after dinner.
What resolution are you striving for this upcoming year? If you’re a member of the Michigan Blues, you can get exclusive discounts at gyms and fitness-related retail locations near you. Check out bcbsm.com/xtras to see how you can save on your resolutions!
1. Eat With a Purpose
Controlling your portions instead of dieting can dramatically improve your chances of weight loss. When creating meals, fill your plate with ½ fruits & veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ grains. If you’re looking for something simple, try Gourmet Everyday for delicious and healthy pre-planned meals.
2. Move Around
Most adults don’t get out of their work – home – sleep routine. If you include at least 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine, you will see results not only with your weight, but an increased energy level as well.
3. Don’t Lie to Your Dentist and Actually Floss
Dentists can spot indications of diabetes and heart disease during an exam so stick to the truth when it comes to flossing. A simple solution to head off bacteria in the mouth is brushing your teeth and flossing every day. Add an extra 5 minutes to your morning and night routines to help guarantee a successful resolution.
4. Why Haven’t You Quit Already?
Trying to quit smoking may be the most frequent and most difficult resolution because it is so challenging. Create daily reminders of the benefits and take advantage of the resources today so you can be a successful non-smoker this time next year.
5. Pick Up the Phone
If you have let some friends and loved ones slip through the cracks, be sure to reach out to them on a regular basis. Monthly phone calls can help boost your psychological health as well as build better relationships.
6. Increase Antioxidants
Cigarette smoke, broken down food and radiation all produce free radicals in your body. Over time, the damage from these substances can result in infection, cancer, heart disease and inflammation. Help your body defend itself by including rich sources of antioxidants into your diet. Great examples are pomegranates, coffee and even chocolate!
7. Diminish Harmful Stress
Everyone has stress in his or her life, but finding ways to handle it makes for an excellent resolution. Enroll in a yoga class to relax your body, call a friend to vent about anything that is frustrating you, take a walk around the block without answering your phone or find your own way to make you refresh your mind. Ifyou feel like you need a massage, go get one, and try Massage Envy to find a session near you.
8. Build Those Muscles
If you already have a semi-steady workout plan, add an extra 10 minutes for strength training. This extra step will help you gain more energy, have stronger bones and increase your metabolism.
9. Wear Sunscreen During Every Season
The sun is still out even at 30 degrees in the middle of January. Wearing sunscreen on exposed skin can dramatically reduce your risk of sun damage and possible skin cancer.
10. Hit the Snooze
It is difficult to get a good night’s rest if you don’t settle your mind or have reminders going off in your head. Read a book to settle down before bed, write down everything that pops into your head to remember for the next day, get a full 8 hours of sleep to prevent fatigue during the day and avoid caffeine after dinner.
What resolution are you striving for this upcoming year? If you’re a member of the Michigan Blues, you can get exclusive discounts at gyms and fitness-related retail locations near you. Check out bcbsm.com/xtras to see how you can save on your resolutions!
Photo credit: New Year’s Resolutions 2012
