Resolutions That Benefit Your Health

At the beginning of a new year, it is common for people to set goals and make resolutions to do better.  Although there are many great New Year’s resolutions, I recommend setting goals that will benefit your health.  The following resolutions are great goals to make and keep for the New Year with your health.


Eat Better
First, nearly every individual could resolve to eat better in the New Year.  Eating better can be different for everyone.  You can try a new diet or make a goal to pick healthier food choices.  Also, I recommend evaluating your eating habits and working to eliminate bad habits.  The following bad habits are common:

• Drinking too much caffeine.
• Over indulging on sweets.
• Eating too many fattening foods.
• Excessive alcohol intake.
• Not eating enough to get the nutrients your body needs.
• Eating too much late at night.

Resolving to fix these bad habits should be a priority for the New Year.  In doing so, you will be happier and healthier.  If it is too hard to go without something you love (like sugar), try to eat it in moderation.  Also, look for healthier alternatives that might please your taste buds.

Exercise Regularly
Another great goal for the New Year is to exercise regularly.  Routine exercise is great to prevent disease and maintain the health of your heart.  It can also greatly reduce stress.  Sadly, sometimes exercise is not a priority.  If you struggle to get your exercise in, set a reachable goal that you can meet.  For example, consider trying to exercise three days a week for 45 minutes.  Also, pick an activity that you enjoy.  In fact, I find that many people get more satisfaction and enjoyment from exercise when it is done outside.  If this is the case for you, skip the gym and find a nice place to walk or jog outside.

Visit The Doctor
In addition to diet and exercise, make it a goal to visit the doctor regularly.  Regular checkups at your doctor’s office are the best way to prevent disease.  Many people develop a fear of seeing a doctor.  They worry that they will leave with bad news or changes that need to be made.  Instead of worrying about this, try to appreciate the value of a doctor’s advice.  He or she simply cares about your wellbeing.  Also, when you follow their advice, you are better off in the long run.

Do Something You Love
This year, find the time to do something you love.  If you hate your job, look for something that will provide you with more joy and satisfaction.  If there is something you are passionate about, spend time doing it.  When you do something you love regularly, your mental health improves.  You also have an easier time managing stress that can come from the complications of daily life.  If you are not sure what you love, I suggest picking activities that seem appealing.  This will help you find your passions.

Create A Lifestyle
Furthermore, when you are focusing on these health goals for 2013, try creating a lifestyle for yourself.  For example, a fad diet is hard to keep up with.  On the other hand, making simple healthy eating decisions daily can help you to develop healthier eating habits in the long run.  Also, when you set goals for your health, make sure to consider the long term.  I always suggest to set health goals that will help you to be healthy in 10 years.  These goals are often a lot more motivating than a short-term weight loss goal.  In addition, they can help you to develop good habits and a better lifestyle for your future.

Stop Worrying About The Small Stuff
During the next year, try to make it a goal to stop worrying about the small stuff in life.  Many of these little stresses are hard to control.  Over worrying about them can lead to mental health concerns and it can increase your risk of disease.  Although it is not always easy to stop worrying about something, you can work to train your mind to better handle these small annoyances and worry less.  If you do this, you will be happier as well.
Many people have already implemented some of these suggestions.  If you have not, resolve today to make them apart of your New Year’s resolutions.  Your health should be a priority, and you can easily increase your life expectancy and well being with these goals.