7 New Year's Resolutions for Healthier Living

7 New Year's Resolutions for Healthier Living

New Year is a great time to reassess your health and to perhaps make a few changes to your diet and lifestyle (especially if you’ve had an indulgent Christmas!)

The right resolutions can make 2023 your best year yet - both for body and mind. We’ve come up with seven resolutions (backed by science!) that are bound to help get you on the road to better health. All you have to do is keep them!

 

 

  1. Drink more water (especially if you’re not drinking enough!)      

Boring but vital! Water is crucial to almost every bodily function, and your body needs a constant supply of it. Water supports every cell in your body (including brain cells!) and helps to flush out unwanted toxins and waste. It also maintains your electrolyte balance, helps you to absorb nutrients, and regulates your body temperature. And much more!

Most adults lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day, and possibly more when exercising and/or in summer. That’s why it’s essential to keep topping up throughout the day. 

Keep yourself hydrated and healthy by carrying a bottle of fresh, filtered water with you everywhere you go.

 

  1. Eat more of the good stuff

A balanced diet is key to good health. The right foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs to repair cells, support normal function, boost your energy, and keep your immune system primed. The odd treat is okay, but a constant diet of sugary, fried, or processed foods (or all of those!) can trigger inflammatory processes in your body that increase your risk of ill health and disease.

Check out the Mediterranean Diet - it’s been scientifically proven as one of the healthiest diets in the world. Rich in leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, and lean protein like fish and poultry, the Mediterranean diet has also been named the easiest diet to follow, the best plant-based diet, the best for heart health, and the best for preventing diabetes!

 

  1. Get out and get active

Exercise isn’t just about burning calories. It’s also essential for your brain function, cardiovascular health, mood, immune system, digestive function - pretty much everything!

And if that’s not enough to motivate you, consider that an inactive lifestyle has been proven to slow down your metabolism and your body’s ability to break down fat, which can then increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.[1]

Exercise doesn’t have to be dumb, hard, or boring. Get some friends together and go hiking, or join a gym with fun dance classes. Even everyday chores like vacuuming, gardening, or doing the dishes count as exercise. Anything that gets your heart rate up for 30-60 minutes a day!

 

  1. Get more sleep

Adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. But most of us don’t get anywhere near that much!

Sleep is something you absolutely cannot go without. It’s during this time that your body undergoes crucial rest and repair processes - many of which are tied to your brain function and your metabolic rate. That’s why a constant lack of sleep can affect you both mentally and physically, and can even increase your risk of many conditions. 

Struggling to nod off each night? Try one of Bargain Chemist’s supplements for sleep, like the popular SleepDrops For Adults. This all-natural formula is made with scientifically researched herbs and homeopathic sleep remedies that support normal sleep patterns and help you wake up feeling refreshed.

 

  1. Relax as often as you can

Easier said than done? Well, you probably know that stress can seriously impact your mood and energy levels. But scientists have also found that long-term stress can compromise your immune system and may even damage your heart.[2] Yikes!

It’s easy to think that the odd bit of stress is just part of life. But feelings of chronic stress and anxiety should never be brushed off.

Avoiding stress completely isn’t always possible, but it is possible to minimise the effects of stress on your body and mind.

Resolve to take more time out for self-care. Do something healthy and fulfilling that relaxes you - like going for a walk, meditating, reading a book, or watching your favourite show on Netflix. Just chill!

If you need a helping hand when it comes to managing stress, check out some of our options for stress support supplements made with adaptogenic herbs and relaxing minerals.

 

  1. Be kind to your teeth

Cleaning your teeth may have been a boring chore when you were a kid, but as an adult, you’ll know that teeth are a precious commodity (and very expensive to repair or replace!)

Good oral care isn’t difficult, and the benefits are obvious: fewer visits to the dentist, a great smile, and (hopefully!) no bad breath.

Invest in the right equipment now and you could save thousands in the future! Brush and floss morning and night, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep plaque at bay. You won't regret it.

 

 

  1. Be more positive

Not as cheesy as it sounds! Thinking positively is more to do with your attitude towards the curveballs life can throw at you. It’s about having hope and confidence in your ability to handle the tough times, and reminding yourself that things will always get better.

Many therapists define positivity as “the ability to identify the good in negative situations”, and many studies have shown a positive attitude can actually improve your quality of life. Optimistic people are found to have better mental and physical health, and may even live longer.[3] 

 

Get into the habit of repeating positive mantras to yourself - even if you feel silly at first. Saying to yourself, “You can get through this!” or “You ARE strong enough!” can have a huge impact on your mood and self-esteem.

 

 

Want more great health ideas and wellness inspo? Check out Bargain Chemist instore and online!

 

[1] https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/2019/08/26/new-evidence-that-optimists-live-longer/

[2] https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700832/