SymptomNet.com - Dedicated to Better Health Information

New Year Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

You can greatly improve your health simply by setting a few simple, painless resolutions this New Year. If you’re like me, you’ve often made ambitious New Year’s resolutions, such as to reaching your goal weight or to work out 60 minutes, five days a week. Often we’re able to stay on track for a couple of weeks before it all falls apart. If this sounds familiar, keep reading to discover a few simple ways to greatly improve your health by making New Year resolutions you can actually keep!

Drink More Water.

Your body needs water in order to function properly and not drinking enough can cause headaches and constipation. Water can also help you control your calories if you replace soda or other caloric beverage. Your body’s cells require water to maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes, and lack of water can cause your muscle cells to shrivel resulting in muscle fatigue. Your kidneys require water to help flush toxins from the body. Chronic dehydration can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. And lastly, if that isn’t reason enough, drinking adequate amounts of water will help your skin stay hydrated which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Move During The Day.

For the New Year, try not sitting at your desk all day. In fact, some health insurance companies have partnered with employers to give health care spending account credits to employees who walk a target number of steps. This is because it has been shown that people who walk more than 3,000 steps per day have significantly less heath care costs than those who do not. Therefore, if you work at your desk all day, you should make it a point to get up and walk around the building for a few minutes each hour. According to research, doing this will reduce your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Find Time To Relax.

In today’s fast paced world we need to find time to relax. Stress will increase your risk of just about any illness. For example, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and gastrointestinal related problems are all worsened by stress. And, if that isn’t bad enough, stress can also accelerate the aging process by causing the body to release stress hormones. Therefore, always make time to do something you enjoy such as taking a walk in nature or a hobby like gardening. Don’t spend your free time in front of the TV. Think constructive pastimes, something creative or doing volunteer work. Meditation is another great way to slow down and tune into the present.

Eat More Fresh Fruits And Vegetables.

Make a New Year’s resolution to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Pack an apple in your backpack or computer bag. Eat a fresh orange for breakfast and snack on veggies with your favorite dip instead of something from the vending machine. Your body will thank you because fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Not only do fruits and vegetable help reduce the risk of diseases but they are also low in calories. The fiber plus water content will make you feel satisfied and better hydrated throughout the day.

Yes, you can be healthier this New Year simply by drinking more water, moving throughout your workday, finding time to relax and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. These are simple changes in your lifestyle that will go a long way toward improving your overall health.