So often we set tough or unrealistic resolutions, and each December we find ourselves trying to figure out what happened to our last resolutions. This year, try setting smaller, more attainable goals for yourself for a more healthy 2012.
1. Drink more water
We’ve heard it a hundred times: humans are mostly made up of water, nobody drinks enough water, choose water over soda -- got it. But did you know that every day on average we lose 10 cups of fluid through our natural bodily functions? About 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated!
On top of preventing disease, irritability, dizziness and other negative side effects, water can help you lose weight! I can bet the number one nation-wide new year's resolution is to lose weight.
Drinking water can help you feel fuller faster, suppress your appetite, and reduce cravings for sweets and other yummy snacks.
2. Walk or bike your errands
Of course this isn’t possible for everyone, but it’s a great way to get some extra exercise, enjoy the outdoors and help save the planet!
A study from the University of Wisconsin gathered data on obesity, health effects of pollution, and pollution from automobiles in Midwestern states.
According to NPR, “if the Midwesterners ran half of their short-distance errands by bike rather than by car, 1,100 deaths would be avoided each year, and $7 billion would be saved in reduced health-care costs.”
3. Don’t worry, be happy
Women are really good at most things, worrying being one of them. However, excessive worry can cause unnecessary stress, anxiety, and physical illness like dizziness, fatigue, irritability, rapid heartbeat and breathing among others.
Chronic, hormone-pumping worry can also cause serious physical disorders like premature heart attack, digestive disorders and a suppressed immune system.
To worry less, try to explore different relaxation techniques, exercise, strengthen your social network or talk to a professional therapist, and avoid caffeine.
4. Integrate exercise
Weight loss is more successful when you integrate healthy habits throughout your lifestyle, rather than trying to go from 0 to 100.
Make a habit of integrating exercise into your daily routine. Calf raises at the office, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or crunches and leg lifts while sitting in front of the T.V.
Having a workout buddy to exercise with and keep you accountable is another great motivator.
5. Help others
Helping others creates a sense of connectedness, promoting community and increasing social wellbeing.
Volunteering can give you a greater sense of purpose and a more positive outlook on life. Give yourself something to feel great about this year!
Let’s make 2012 a happy, healthy new year!
Sources:
Physical Effects of Worrying. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved December 22, 2011, from
http://www.webmd.com/balance/how-worrying-affects-your-body?page=3
Roberts, A. (2007, August 27). Whatcom Counts :: News :: Can It Be True? 75% of Americans Are Chronically Dehydrated?. Whatcom Counts :: A Healthy Community Is Up to You - Click, Learn, Act. Retrieved December 22, 2011, from http://www.whatcomcounts.org/whatcom/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2449
Schute, N. (2011, November 2). Secret To A Long, Healthy Life: Bike To The Store : Shots - Health Blog : NPR. NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. Retrieved December 22, 2011, from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/11/02/141937325/secret-to-a-long-healthy-life-bike-to-the-store?sc=ipad&f=1128
Reviewed December 28, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith