The start of a new year is one of the best times to realign your health goals for the 12 months ahead. Here are some of our tried and tested tips for staying healthy in 2024 and beyond.
Make realistic goals
Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It can be easy to feel as if there are too many changes to make at once, which can also combine with a lull in positivity after the holiday season. Instead, gradually increase the difficulty as you build momentum.
Sleep, sleep and more sleep
Do not underestimate the impact of a good night’s sleep on your overall health routine. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine to improve the quality of your sleep. Consider your routine before bed too, aim to start winding down one to two hours before bed. Dimming the lighting, having a hot shower and halting screen time can all aide a healthy sleep routine.
Are you thirsty?
Before reaching for a snack, ask yourself if perhaps might be craving water instead. Sometimes we mistake our need for hydration with hunger. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and of course limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine intake. Similarly, focus on balanced nutrition. Aim for a well-rounded, balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats – pay attention to portion sizes too, to avoid overeating.
Get out of the house
Staying active is one of the best ways to improve your health. im for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, to get the maximum benefit consider exercising outdoors so that you get fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunshine added into the mix too. Similarly, consider working out with friends, or arranging to meet for a coffee after your workout. Make time to nurture your relationships with family and friends. Social connections are crucial for mental health.
Healthy habits
Aside from the obvious ones of food and exercise – there are many healthy habits which can help support overall well-being, and improve your chances of succeeding at your goals. Managing stress is a big one – if you find you’re struggling, consider trying stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Similarly, schedule regular health check-ups and screenings to monitor your health and catch potential issues early. If you smoke or consume excessive alcohol, consider quitting or reducing these habits. And also promote habits which cultivate overall health, such as good hygiene habits, including regular handwashing and dental care.
Ditch all-or-nothing thinking
Moderation is key for the longevity of any new habit routines. Allow yourself treats in moderation. Completely depriving yourself of certain foods can lead to craving, binging and other unhealthy eating habits.
