At the start of each year, do you come up with a list of resolutions you want to make and keep? As we roll past the half-way mark of 2021, how many of these resolutions are you on track to keep? As a check point, here are ten goals that you can start today and achieve in the last half of 2021.
Tip 1: Keep a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude exercises have been shown to reduce stress levels and bring about a greater sense of calm and positivity. Whether first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening, take 15 minutes to write down a list of positive events that have taken place during the day, or 5 to 10 things that you are grateful for. As this becomes a habit for you, it will bring clarity and insight into that which is important to you, and what you truly appreciate and value in your life.
Tip 2: Say ‘Thank You’ More
Work to incorporate “Thank You” more into your daily conversation. Not just to show appreciation to others, but to replace over-utilizing the word “Sorry”. For example, instead of saying “Sorry I’m late”, replace it with “Thank you for your patience”. Incorporating more ‘thank you’s’ into your day will boost your feelings of gratitude and appreciation and will increase your feelings of empowerment.
Tip 3: Exercise or Move Daily
Daily movement has been shown to have incredible benefits for your health. Not only does it increase your lifespan, lower your risk of disease, boosts bone density and helps with weight loss, it has also been shown to boost your endorphins and keeps you feeling happier and more productive. Even a short 10-minute daily walk will bring about great benefits in your health.
Tip 4: Meditate, Relax and Sleep
Each day take a few minutes to quiet your mind and calm your soul. Research has shown that relaxation decreases the effects of stress on the body and helps to boost overall health and vitality. Eliminate distractions, focus your mind, take slow deep breaths, and allow yourself a few minutes of tranquility. Relaxing allows your body to conserve energy and boost needed endorphins. The more you practice relaxation, the better you will get at it. As you improve this relaxation response, your sleep will improve as well, bringing with it several other health benefits.
Tip 5: Drink More Water
If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, the amount of circulating blood volume in your body will decrease. This causes your heart to work harder to pump oxygenated blood throughout your system, and your brain to receive less oxygen. Your body organs will not be functioning optimally, and your body begins to feel tired and run down. Adequate hydration allows for your body’s metabolism to operate efficiently, boosting energy production and decreasing feelings of fatigue. Work to drink one full glass of water each hour to keep you well hydrated throughout the day.
Tip 6: Plan Out Your Meals in Advance
A tip for eating healthier each week is to plan your week of meals out in advance. By preparing in advance for the upcoming week, you will be less likely to grab fast food or processed meals at the last minute. By planning out your meals in advance you will also be more likely to stick to your shopping list, and not buy unhealthy or unneeded items.
Tip 7: Choose Whole Foods Over Processed
Processed foods may taste good, but they are full of preservatives and high amounts of salt and lack many of the key nutrients that our bodies need for optimal health. Work to eat clean, whole foods as much as possible. The cleaner you eat your foods, the healthier your body will be. You will find that eating clean, whole foods keep your appetite satisfied longer, and keeps your body having more energy throughout the day.
Tip 8: Hang out with Healthy People
It has been said that you will become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. If you are spending most of your time with people that have unhealthy habits, you will be more likely to adopt those bad habits also. Conversely, if you hang out with people that have healthy habits, you will start to pick up and do those healthy habits also.
Tip 9: Learn Something New
Learning something new on a regular and consistent basis will help you to feel more confident and can even extend your life. As you learn new things you will form new neural pathways in your brain, enhancing your memory and cognition.
Tip 10: Do Something for You
One way to boost your mood and improve your outlook on life is to do something fun and meaningful for yourself. Whether it is taking time to read a book or scheduling time for a facial, taking time to do something for yourself will have profound impacts.
I would love to connect with you to assist you with making 2021 your best year ever. I believe that it is never too early, or too late, to work towards being your healthiest you. Let's connect today!
