New Year, New You

The promise of a new year sparks the desire to get healthy — at least for the first few weeks. "Most New Year’s resolutions are aimed at changing habits, and habits — even if they have disastrous consequences for the long run — are hard to change. But just because New Year's resolutions are tough to keep doesn't mean they're impossible. Start with a new approach: goal-setting that includes physical and emotional well-being, with milestones that increase your commitment as you reach them.

1. Learn To Laugh at Yourself
Laughing is one New Year's resolution that should be easy to keep — and it's good for your health. Being able to engage life positively and with spontaneity is crucial to mental and even physical health. And when we laugh, this is what we are doing." Studies have found that people who laugh a lot are at decreased risk for heart attack. So make a resolution to chuckle, giggle, or have a hearty guffaw — even at your own expense when you do something silly or embarrassing. Laughing feels much better than stressing.

2. Get Organized at Home
When you come home from a long day at work only to find a messy kitchen or a late utility bill notice in the mail, your stress level may skyrocket. So make a New Year's resolution to get better organized at home. The satisfaction and reduced stress will spill over into other areas of your life. You'll feel more on top of chores and less overwhelmed when at least one aspect of your life is in good order.

3. Schedule a Health Check up
If you've been avoiding your doctor or just haven't had the time to get a check-up, this is the year to make an appointment. A medical visit is your opportunity to ask health questions, discuss your risk factors, and catch any budding health problems early on. One study found that screening for body mass index could identify people who are obese or overweight and regular counseling about weight and health can help you lose weight — and get healthy. When you're goal-setting, add an appointment with your doctor to the list.

4. Manage Stress
We all need to regulate tension.and there are a myriad of tension-regulating behaviors ranging from extremely unhealthy to healthy. Exchanging those unhealthy behaviors for healthy ones makes for a good New Year's resolution. Activities like reading, listening to music, dancing, meditation, and yoga to manage stress and have fun. Including stress management in your goal-setting will keep you happier and healthier all year long.

5. Keep Exercising
This one's a no-brainer — and it's a New Year's resolution you've probably made before. But this year’s resolution shouldn't be just to start exercising — you need to keep exercising, day after day, year after year, to keep your mind and body healthy. Research has shown regular intensive running actually treats depression.But beyond that kind of specific benefit, exercise in general helps to manage stress and makes most people feel better and function better.

6. Commit to a Healthier Eating
Have you ever noticed how sluggish and sleepy you feel after a huge, fatty meal? If you want to feel better and be healthier this year, make a New Year's resolution to eat a healthy diet … all the time. Research is clear that a healthy diet improves physical health as well as emotional health and cognitive function. And when you're feeding your body healthy fuel, you simply feel better. Use your favorite, most delicious healthy foods and experiment with new recipes as you carry out this New Year's resolution all year long.

7. Sleep on Time
With all of your new year’s socializing and exercising, you're sure to be exhausted by the end of every day. To keep your energy level high, make sleep one of your New Year's resolutions. Studies have found that children who have regularly scheduled and healthy sleep become physically and emotionally healthier adults. Adopt good sleep practices, including setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time each day (yes, on weekends, too). To get good quality sleep, create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment.


source: everydayhealth