1. Lose Weight
This is among the most popular resolutions and also one of the most difficult to commit to. You can succeed if you don’t expect overnight success. Use a food journal to keep track of what you eat and have a support system. Want some added motivation? Join Scale Back Alabama and have a chance to win money for losing 10 or more pounds! For more information, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.
2. Stay in touch
It’s good for your health to reconnect with your friends and family. People with strong social ties live longer than those who don’t. In a technology-fixated era, it’s never been easier to stay in touch with your friends and family. Use Facebook to start a conversation or to just let them know that they are on your mind. Follow up with in-person visits.
3. Quit Smoking
Fear that you’ve failed too many times to try again? Talk to any ex-smoker, and you’ll see that multiple attempts are often the path to success. Try out different methods to find out what works. Consider how much money you’ll save!
4. Save money
Save money by making healthy lifestyle choices. Walk or ride your bike to work, or explore carpooling. Cut back on gym membership by exercising at home. Many fitness programs on videogame systems like Nintendo’s Wii Fit Plus and Microsoft Xbox Kinect Your Shape Fitness Evolved can get you sweating.
5. Cut your stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life. Short bouts of stress gives us a slight energy boost, but if the stress is chronic, it can increase your risk of insomnia, depression, obesity, heart disease, and more. Long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress.
6. Volunteer
We tend to think our own bliss relies on bettering ourselves but our happiness also increases when we help others. And guess what? Happiness is good for your health. Positive emotions can make people more resilient and resourceful.
7. Get more sleep
A good night’s rest can do wonders for your mood and appearance. Sleep is more beneficial to your health than you realize. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 Diabetes. Sleep is also crucial to strengthening memories. Take a nap and don’t feel guilty about it.