7 Health Essentials for 2013

The New Year can bring a fresh start, but you need to have some healthy essentials to get through the next 365 days. Here are our 7 must-haves to align your body and mind for the year.

1. Breathing Techniques in your Back Pocket

We can’t all head to the beach to regain mental clarity, but you can use deep breathing relaxation techniques to help tame your tension on the go. We are a fan of the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a mental count of four seconds. Hold your breath for a count of seven, and then exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. This simple breathing exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system!

2. Commit to a Meal Planning Tool

Sitting down once a week to figure out what you need to purchase from the store and writing a list of menu items may seem like a waste of time, but meal planning has many benefits. It saves you time, money and helps you cook healthier meals. Decide if you want to go digital or if you want to go the menu board route.  A favorite online tool is eMeals. It has a small monthly fee but the benefits are worth it. You can pick a plan based on your eating style and family size. It provides you with great recipes that fit your needs. And, the best part you will receive a detailed, organized grocery list that is coordinated with the weekly sales at selected stores.

3. Sign up for a Spa Pass

Many people think that a trip to the spa is a nonessential luxury, but working frequent spa trips into your budget has a multitude of health benefits. This day in age stress looms over us all the time so a short break away from it all will impact your overall health and relieve any aches and pains your body is carrying around. Trips to the spa can be affordable if you sign up for the wellness program offered by your spa of choice. You can get membership-only savings on spa services and ensure you get a once a month outing that is all about you.

4. A Stocked Gym Bag

If there is one rule to follow regarding your fitness habits, it is to pack your gym bag the night before. Doing so gets you one step closer to the gym. So what should you always bring to the fitness center with you? Our bag always has our membership card, a water bottle, our fitness fashion clothing and shoes, a locker padlock, our iPod and our gym beauty essentials. Stuff it all into your Adidas bag by Stella McCartney and you will never leave your gym necessities behind.

5. Shut-Eye Strategy

In day to day life we spend so much time focusing on other priorities that we forget that sleep is actually one of them. This year commit to get a good night sleep every night. It may seem like a challenge but there are some helpful tools that will ensure you are counting sheep in no time. Our go-to is to follow a strict sleep schedule 7 days a week, but there are more ways you can master the mind games on the pillow. Find a strategy that works for you so you can get your snooze on like you always wish you could.

6. Find a Workout Routine that you Love

One of the most important things to taking on a fitness routine is finding something you really enjoy. After all, something you do several times a week should not be drudgery. Always have an activity that you look forward to mixed into your fitness routine. If that is yoga or Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred be sure that you make room for that in your schedule. Having a sweat session you look forward to will make the other days more bearable. We suggest you switch up your routine every few months to beat the boredom and challenge yourself to try new activities.

7. Be a Calendar-Holic

Organization, organization, organization! Living on a whim is a great idea on vacation, but try to keep yourself on some sort of track so you can manage your to-dos without feeling so overwhelmed. If you are new to the calendar life try using a paper calendar to start. Having the calendar in front of you will be a constant reminder to start writing down your plans. Once you are a pro you can switch to a digital calendar. We love CalenGoo and Google Calendar, but there are many tools that can be your organizational hero. Try these additional ways to simplify your digital life.

What is on your healthy essential checklist? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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