7 Resolutions for Better Health

After a holiday season full of indulgences, the new year brings an opportunity to start incorporating some healthier habits into your routine. Here are some suggestions for simple resolutions that will help you become a healthier you in the new year. 

1. DRINK MORE WATER
The common recommended intake for water is 8 glasses (8 oz.) per day.  However, the majority of people fail to meet this standard.  Water is an often overlooked essential of health.  Drinking more of it can improve physical and mental performance, aid in digestion and weight loss, and improve overall wellbeing.  Try to up your daily water intake by drinking a glass of water with every meal. 

2. EAT MORE VEGETABLES
One of the most common resolutions that people make is to eat healthier.  But committing to a complete diet overhaul can be overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead, try starting small by including one serving of vegetable with every meal.  Vegetable are not only packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but they are low in calories and high in fiber.

3. GET MORE SLEEP
According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep.  Sleeping less than 7 hours per night can increase the risks of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and mood disorders.  To improve your sleep, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.  Set an alarm for the evenings to remind you its time to go to bed.  Avoid cellphone and computer screens an hour before bedtime and keep your bedroom at a cooler temperature to improve sleep quality. 

4. EXERCISE MORE
This is another one that people tend to be overambitious with.  If you are not used to working out on a regular basis, jumping right into an intense workout routine can be difficult to stick to.  Instead start by incorporating a little more movement into your daily routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at the far end of the parking lot, or taking a short walk around the block during lunch breaks.  It can also help to figure out what your specific goal is for exercising, whether its to lose weight, build strength or improve cardiovascular health, finding workouts that are aligned with these goals and that you enjoy will make it easier.

5. TRY MEDITATION
Meditation can help alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce blood pressure, extend attention span, and improve sleep. Start with just a few minutes a day and pick a time that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine like when you wake up in the morning or during your daily commute. 

6. DRINK LESS ALCOHOL
Chronic heavy drinking can increase the risk of liver and heart disease, mental deterioration, depression, and cancer. Reduce the number of drinks you have by drinking a glass of water after each cocktail.  Or try having a “dry January” and cut out alcohol altogether.  You may be surprised by how much better you feel. 

7. STRETCH DAILY
Stretching can increase your flexibility and range of motion, improve your performance in physical activities, increase circulation and blood flow to your muscles, improve posture, and prevent injuries. Start by stretching for just a few minutes per day.  Set a daily alarm as a reminder or stretch first thing in the morning or right before bed.