Okay, so it’s 2014 and you’re realizing you may not have stuck to all of your New Years resolutions from last year…no big deal. You may not have even stuck to the resolutions you made this year, but don’t worry! It’s okay. This year, instead of making resolutions and near impossible “I’m-going-to-lose-50-pounds” goals, take a step back and and reconsider. As opposed to making lists of resolutions you probably won’t keep anyway, make a list of things you could do to better yourself and your life. I believe that health is the most important thing in life and that a healthy life is a happy life. On that note, here are five helpful tips and ways to be healthier in 2014. If you follow these tips, you will feel better, perform better, and be better. Happy 2014 everyone!
Drink More Water
(image via Breaking Muscle)
Drinking enough water is more important than you’d ever imagine. Your body doesn’t function properly without enough water so it’s crucial that you always stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water can affect your mood, your skin, your weight, and your overall health. Eight glasses a day is the recommended daily intake to keep your body hydrated and functioning to the best of its’ ability.
Cut Out Processed Food
(image via BuzzFeed)
Processed foods are worse for you than almost any other food. Packed with trans fast, additives, and other…for lack of a better word, crap, processed foods do so much damage to your body whether you realize it or not. Cutting out processed foods will make you feel better and will most likely help you lose weight. Replace for favorite processed foods with healthier natural alternatives like wholesome breaded chicken instead of chicken nuggets or a homemade pound cake with whipped cream instead of Twinkies.
Silence Your Phone At Bedtime
(image via Health)
Having your phone on loud or vibrate can be very disruptive at bedtime. The light coming from your phone as well as the noise it makes can wake you up and keep you u in the middle of the night breaking your sleep cycle. To avoid this and ensure a restful night’s sleep, put your phone on silent or turn it off when you’re getting ready to go to sleep. For those of you attached to your phone, please put it down, your texts will still be there in the morning when you wake up.
Get Enough Sleep
(image via Beliefnet)
Getting enough rest might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t get adequate sleep every night. In order for your body to function properly, it’s crucial to get between six and eight hours of sleep per night. Sometimes getting in bed 30 minutes prior to bed time can help you unwind and get to sleep faster. Try getting room darkening shades and lower the temperature a few degrees before bed.
Eat Every Food Group
(image via HelpGuide)
One way to ensure healthy habits is to make sure you’re eating well balanced, nutritional meals that you actually enjoy. Your diet should consist of a variety of fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins. Switch up your meals to keep your palate interested and your metabolism working to it’s full potential.
Hmm, well I do pretty well on the water thing, and don’t eat too many processed foods. But I could probably work on better sleep habits!
I would add DON’T DRINK YOUR CALORIES to this list. Even “healthy juices” have crazy amounts of sugar in them.
I really want to get into the habit of walking my dog a couple of mornings before work this year.
http://bettylivin.com/2013/12/29/2014-new-years-goalshabits/
Great tips! Thanks 🙂
Couldn’t agree more! I need to work on drinking more water. Don’t get me wrong, I drink a ton, but it all happens in the evening!! I know if I drank more water during the DAY I would probably be a little less tired sometimes!
And that processed food makes me nauseous just thinking about it! 🙁
Drinking more water is a BIG one for me. I don’t drink nearly enough most days!