7 new year's resolutions to improve your health
December 31, 2015
What is your New Year’s resolution for 2016? To travel more, take more time for yourself, or maybe call your parents more than twice a semester? For a lot of people, a new year promise is about health. A new calendar seems like a great time to start focusing on a diet or fitness routine.
But we all know how that turns out. After two or three weeks of salads and kickboxing classes, you’re back to making excuses for indulging in cookies and skipping the gym. It happens.
However, maybe this year you should set smaller, more achievable health goals. The following ideas don’t make huge changes to your routine, but may impact your body big time. Just check them out below…and Happy New Year!
1. Floss
Yes, dental hygiene is definitely a health goal you can work on. It’s super easy for us to skip flossing when we’re dying to get in bed or running late to class, but taking the extra time a few times a week will make a huge difference at your next dentist appointment. Try doing it while you’re in the shower so you feel like you’re multitasking!
2. Drink more water
We’ve all heard how much water we need each day, yet H2O continues to take a backseat to other priorities. Health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters or half a gallon, but more is better. Water keeps you full, flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose, and throat tissues. Keep track of your hydration with a water bottle with measurements on it or simply check your urine – if it’s very yellow, you’re probably dehydrated. (And don’t think soda or beer count as a glass.)
3. Take the stairs
Skipping the elevator adds a quick cardio boost to your day. Even if it’s just a flight here and there, your buns will thank you.
4. Stop multitasking while eating
You know you’re guilty of finishing off an entire bag of chips while watching How to Get Away With Murder. You didn’t mean to have more than a handful, but it happened.
5. Stand more
They say sitting is the new smoking, but we sit in the car, at work, in class, and just about everywhere. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing serious illnesses like various types of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. To combat this, get up at least once an hour. Go get a glass of water, hit the bathroom, or take a small stroll, anything to get moving.
6. Never skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast may increase coronary heart disease risk, according to a Harvard study. Even if it means grabbing a granola bar on your way to work or class, make sure you eat something to jump start your day.
7. Switch to herbal or green tea.
It has more health benefits than coffee…and it’s cheaper than coffee! Maybe you can’t give up your morning cup, but switch out your cup of joe for tea the rest of the day.
Stephanie Petit