We’ve already talked about New Year’s resolutions, but with January here, 2016 is already in full swing. Chances are, your New Year’s resolutions likely included breaking some bad (or less-than-healthy) habits. If you’ve stuck to your guns this far in, good job! That first week is always the hardest when it comes to changing the way you act and think. That said, while the New Year offers a clean slate in which you can break those unwanted habits, it’s also a great time of year to start building habits that will do you – and your body – good. These 4 healthy habits will give your body, mind and spirit a better 2016 – guaranteed!
The 4 Healthy Habits
Get in the gym.
Are you one of the millions of people who has a gym membership but never seems to “find the time” to actually use it? Stop throwing away your money and get the most out of that membership! While many people seem to be intimidated by the gym, take heart; most of the people there are just like you (sure, there are always a few super fit gym rats around). Making the gym a habit can be an intimidating venture, the most intimidating of the 4 healthy habits here, but it’s not terribly difficult. Determine a time of day that works for your schedule. Try to plan around the time of day you’ll feel most motivated. If you’re a morning person, make the gym your first item of business. If you get more energy as the day goes on, give it the after-work time slot. The trick is to prepare yourself for success. Pack a gym back in the morning and head straight there after work. Or set your alarm clock and leave it – and your gym clothes and shoes – across the room from your bed.
Eat more veggies.
If you’re accustomed to fast, ready-made foods, integrating more vegetables into your diet can be tricky. But just like any of the other 4 healthy habits, prepping those whole foods will become second nature after a few weeks of the routine. Aim to include fresh produce – especially vegetables – in every meal of the day. If you’re on the go, this is easier when you prep the food beforehand. Once a week, take a trip to the farmer’s market or the produce section of your grocery store, then take an hour to prepare yourself for success in the coming week. Chop up veggies into snackable sizes and portion them out so you can grab them from the fridge and get on with your life. For dinners and salads, prep the veggies in advance so they’re ready to mix into a salad or throw in a pot for dinner.
Start volunteering.
It may seem like the strangest of the 4 healthy habits to form for your “health,” but the truth of the matter is that volunteering can help reduce stress, depression and has myriad other benefits to the mind and spirit (and even your body). Make a point to volunteer your time once a week to a cause you care about. Whether that includes picking up trash around your neighborhood or community, or working with youth at the Boys and Girls Club, getting in the habit of thinking outside yourself can be an empowering, energy increasing venture – one in which everyone wins.
Get your float on.
Floating, a healthy habit? You better believe it, and one of the most important of the 4 healthy habits! A session of float therapy can reduce stress, reduce inflammation and increase your overall health and wellbeing. If you’ve ever meditated, you can likely vouch for the emotional and mental benefits of sensory deprivation. Those benefits also translate over to your physical health in some surprising, albeit amazing ways. If float therapy seems intimidating, the best thing for you to do is just give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the difference you feel after just one session. Making a habit of “floating” is hands down one of the best habits you can form for a healthier 2016.
Now that we’ve covered these 4 healthy habits, what habits are you building to make 2016 your healthiest and best year ever?