It’s almost the end of January, have you implemented your New Year resolutions yet? Most resolutions are merely empty promises that we make to ourselves in the hope of inspiring change in our lives. However, a few days into the January and those promises are quickly forgotten as we go about our busy lives and habits take over our actions.
If you are steadfast in your commitment to improving yourself in 2018, then here are seven lifestyle changes that you can make to ensure that you January ends better than it started and the rest of 2018 stays on track for you.
#1 You are What You Eat
The food choices that we make determine our body type and our energy levels. Throw out all the sugar and refined carbohydrates in your family pantry. Refined carbs cause a whole host of adverse health problems; from diabetes to obesity and high blood pressure. Avoiding sugar and flour will give your GI tract time to heal and allow for the efficient assimilation of the nutrients in your food by your gut bacteria. Make smarter food choices and keep an eye on your health and that of your family.
#2 Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for life; after all, our body is made up of 80% water, so it makes sense to stay as hydrated as possible. Drink eight glasses of water every day, and make sure its water; juice, and soda don’t count. Dehydration creates foggy thoughts and impaired cognitive function. Being dehydrated can reduce energy levels by up to 60%, so make sure you always have a glass of water on hand.
#3 Exercise is Important
Just fifteen minutes of exercise a day is enough to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Join the local gym and sign up for a Pilates class. If you can’t make it to the gym, then consider investing in a treadmill for your home. Raising your heart rate will ensure that you keep your blood pressure low, alleviate any anxiety, and stimulate your metabolism.
#4 Get Your Beauty Sleep
Everyone needs their sleep. If you cannot get a solid eight hours during the night, then consider napping during the day. Keep your map time to under an hour to avoid feeling groggy when you wake up. Regular nap-times can increase cognitive function by as much as 40%, keeping your mind sharp and your thoughts quick. Make sure that you have a comfortable bed and if you need a new one, then check out the top 10 mattresses of 2018 to ensure that you are making the most out of your sleep.
#5 Plan Regularly and Work Your Plan
Plan your day, your month and your year. Regular planning sessions will keep your life on track while working toward your goals. Take a Sunday afternoon to plan your week. Plan your meals, exercise time, naps, and working hours. Make sure to include the time you want to spend with your family during the week and on the weekends as well.
#6 Attitude Determines Altitude
Your attitude determines your mental state. If you wake up in a foul mood, then take control of your mental state before it ruins the day. Stand in front of the mirror and repeat this mantra; ‘I love myself, and I love my family.’ Within minutes of repeating this mantra, you will begin to feel better, and the dark clouds of depression and anger will clear.
#7 Leverage Technologies
You don’t need to do everything yourself; there’s an app for that. Harness the power of technology to help you with your daily life. Get organized and download a time-management app for your phone. Order your groceries online and avoid the stress of going to the store. There are hundreds of apps available that can make your daily life a lot easier, so check them out.
The Final Word
You deserve to make 2018 your best year ever! However, it’s all up to you, you either do it or you don’t. Take these seven tips and apply them to your life. Log your results in a journal and stay committed to improving yourself throughout the year.
Leave us a comment!