Top 10 Habits for a Healthy New Year

What are your New Year’s resolutions?  Are you looking to get healthier?  Get more exercise?  Get healthier?  Feel better and have more energy?  Join the group!  Here’s a list of ten healthy habits you can adopt this year for a happier, healthier, and potentially longer life.

1. Reduce stress.  Stress affects our health in a very negative way.  It affects our immune system.  It affects our ability to sleep and to digest our food properly. If you’re looking for one thing you can do better for yourself and your health this year, it would be to find methods of reducing stress. 

2. Drink more water. Not just because water is good for you but because when you drink more water you stop drinking soda or other sugary drinks.  Diet soda isn’t much better because it’s full of artificial sweeteners and chemicals

3. Walk/exercise.  Adding exercise to your day adds years to your life.  You don’t have to run a marathon or become iron man triathletes, walking for 30 minutes a day is an excellent start. Plus, you’ll just feel better. 

4. Get your vitamins.  A well balanced diet is excellent; however a multi vitamin is an excellent tool for a little extra insurance.  Plus, it’s an easy thing to add to your daily routine.

5. Eat more fruits and veggies.  It goes without saying that eating your fruits and veggies is good for your health.  Add one extra serving of fruits and veggies to your day and begin living a healthier life. 

6. Eat less saturated fat. Instead of ordering a burger or a steak at dinner, consider chicken or fish. 

7. Eat less sugar. Sugar causes a rapid rise in blood sugar and a general feeling of well being.  It also causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and a feeling of no energy.  Then you eat more sugar and the cycle repeats itself.  This roller coaster of sugar highs and lows wreaks havoc on your body.  The solution, eat less sugar and if you do choose to have a sugary snack, eat it with a protein so your body’s metabolism remains more stable.

8. Fish oil. Fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in our bodies.  It may help reduce cholesterol and may help protect your brain against degenerative diseases.

9. Go to the doctor.  Are there regular tests you should be taking to test for hereditary illnesses or preventative measures that are appropriate to your age?  Cancer screenings are the most common.  Take the steps necessary to see your doctor this year.

10. Smile.  Smiling reduces stress and puts you in a positive frame of mind.  It’s scientifically proven that stress has a direct effect on how healthy a person is.  Smile, you’ll be glad you did.