Many people often make New Year’s resolutions about how they are going to lose weight, get fit and eliminate bad habits form their lifestyle. Yet, most people tend to set unrealistic goals that will result in almost immediate failure. Fortunately, there are various ways you can not only meet but exceed your health goals over the next 12 months. Read the 10 ways to improve your health in 2018.
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Give Your Refrigerator a Makeover
Develop a healthy mindset by developing a healthier environment. Throw away or donate all those troublesome snacks from the holidays, and give your cabinets and refrigerator a much-needed makeover. For example, store fruits and vegetables in clear containers, which should be eye-level when you open the refrigerator, so they will grab your attention. This will encourage you to make healthier food choices so that you can transform your diet.
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Enjoy Brisk Walks
People often believe a new year will provide them with the energy they need to improve their physical health, but may soon realize they are extremely unfit. Gradually improving your endurance will, however, allow you to naturally improve your fitness levels and dedication to exercise. If you are struggling to meet your fitness goals, it might be beneficial to start out with some brisk walking. Aim to increase your speed and timeframe, and eventually, you could be running out the door.
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Invest in Health Insurance
Make 2018 the year you start caring for your future health, as who knows what it has in store. While you might not like to think of the worst, it is important to have cover in place should you ever need it. This will ensure you can get back on track to enjoy a healthier, happier life. There are numerous health insurance options to consider, such as Florida Blue rehab coverage. You can, therefore, relax in the knowledge that you will have the help and support you will need, which will not impact your finances.
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Try Deep Breathing Exercises
Was 2017 a stressful year? Say goodbye to all the unwanted stress and tension with the help of deep breathing exercises. The techniques can be an effective stress management tool, as it can quickly calm you down. All you need to do is breathe in during a slow count of five, before holding for a slow count of five, and then slowly exhaling to a count of five. You might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on your mental health.
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Swap Coffee for Water
Most people reach for a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning to wake up and stay hydrated. Yet, this can result in an energy slump once the effects have worn off. If you want to beat lethargy and embrace more energy, you should swap your usual cup of joe for water first thing in the morning. Good ol’ H2O can jumpstart your metabolism, so you’ll have more focus and energy for the day ahead. If you cannot do without a cup of coffee, wait until the middle of the morning.
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Stick to a Sleeping Schedule
Many people often underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep, but it can impact all aspects of a person’s health. Sleep deprivation can often be the culprit for lethargy, a low mood, over-eating and even depression. Change your health by changing your sleeping pattern. You can do so by creating a sleeping schedule, so you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. You may also be able to drift off quickly by playing relaxing music or dropping some lavender oil onto your pillow. You can guarantee you will feel healthier, happier and sharper the next day.
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Undertake Gardening
Do you feel self-conscious at the gym? Can you not find an exercise to complement your personality or lifestyle? Gardening might be the ideal solution to your problem. You’ll be shocked by how many calories you can burn when gardening, as various outdoor maintenance tasks can help you shed excess weight and increase your fitness. For example, mowing the lawn will allow you to burn between 250 to 350 calories per hour, while racking and bagging leaves may burn approximately 350 to 450 calories per hour. It is, therefore, a productive alternative to the gym, as it can help you to lose weight while improving your outdoor area.
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Identify How Food Affects Your Body
Different foods will impact your body in different ways. No-one knows your body better than you, which is why you must pay attention to identify how your diet affects your health. For example, meals high in fat could result in bloating or an upset stomach, and you might notice a positive change in your body when consuming healthier fats. Learning how food impacts your body can help you make better food choices, especially when eating out.
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Read Nutrition Labels
Many people are often unaware of the ingredients in their food because they fail to read the nutrition labels on products. As a result, they could be consuming unhealthy items that will negatively impact their physical and mental health. Looking at the nutrition labels will help you to discover whether a food is beneficial to your body or not. For example, you should look for products that do not contain hydronated oils, and they should also feature at least two grams of fiber per serving with limited sugar. As a result, you will know exactly what you are putting into your body.
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Order Groceries Online
Supermarkets are filled with various unwanted temptations and are often designed to encourage impulse purchases. For this reason, you should consider doing your shopping online, as you will be less likely to opt for those buy one get one free box of cookies. Write a shopping list, and shopping online can encourage you to make healthier purchases, and you’ll also spend less money. It is a win-win.
