New Year, New You
12 steps for each month of the new year to be the best you
Like I always say, if you don’t take the time out to take care of yourself, your body will force you to do it. And it’s usually at the most inopportune time.
Last year, I made an attempt to drink plenty of water. The difference I felt was significant. I didn’t wake up groggy. My headaches were less frequent. And I felt like I moved better post-ACL surgery. I also felt more energized. It wasn’t until I slipped up and went back to my regular routine of feeling sick from dehydration.
Even a little bit of self-care goes a long way. So here are a few of my top self-care tips, I plan on digging into in the new year. Here’s to being the best you, you can be.
Get a healthy amount of sleep
Experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. Sleep restores the body and improves energy levels, so waking up well-rested can have a positive impact on an individual’s mood. It also promotes heart health and helps regulate insulin levels.
Drink plenty of water
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Start a Skincare Routine
Moisturizing daily and protecting your skin from the sun with a daily SPF will provide long term benefits. The largest barrier between the outside world and the body, skin has an important job. Not only does skin protect the body from the elements, but the state of a person’s skin also projects what is going on internally. A good skin care routine is simple, and the benefits may end up being surprising.
Give yourself a time limit with technology
Reducing screen time and being mindful of the toxicity of social media can have profound benefits for our physical and mental health. By consciously disconnecting from screens and social media, we can enjoy improved sleep, reduced eye strain, and enhanced posture.
Start an exercise routine
Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.
Find a balance between work & play
Almost everyone has to work but combining that with time to rest and do things you love will feed the soul. If you can find a good balance between work and other demands, you are likely to be happier, more productive, and take fewer sick days.
Stretch more
It’s thought that stretching may also release endorphins that help to reduce pain and enhance your mood. Besides feeling good and helping to relieve muscle tension and stress, stretching can also increase your flexibility and circulation, boost your athletic performance, and improve your posture
Add healthier foods to your diet
Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals. They also contain fibre. There are many varieties of fruit and vegetables available and many ways to prepare, cook and serve them. A diet high in fruit and vegetables can help protect you against cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Take some time to notice your breath
Focusing your awareness on the smooth, repetitive rhythm of your breath can help soothe your mind and nervous system. As noted above, evidence suggests conscious breathing can ease anxiety and stress in college students, as well as anxiety, depression, and sleep issues in middle-aged adults.
Write down one thing you are grateful for everyday
Enhances positive emotions: Writing down what we are grateful for helps us focus on the positive aspects of life. By reflecting on and recording experiences or people that make us feel satisfied and grateful, we can evoke feelings of joy and happiness within ourselves.
Declutter your space
By decluttering, you can open up space for new ideas and creative expression. Improve sleep quality. A bedroom that is cluttered with clothes and objects can be disorienting and negatively impact your ability to relax and get quality sleep. Enhance self-esteem.
Get your finances in order
It can bring you one step closer toward financial security. Having and sticking to a budget can keep your spending in check and assure that your savings for emergencies and longer-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, stay consistent.