5 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions That Are Easy & Effective

Even though we always say we won’t make resolutions…. We always do. It’s too tempting to make a big list of things we want to do better while ignoring the work we have to put it in. This year we have a new resolution. We resolve to be honest about what we can do and what we have time for and we promise to start making those changes today. These are quick, easy, and healthy goals that we’ll (hopefully) stick with all year long. 

Shut off electronics an hour before bedtime.

Really, this is science. Blue light from LED-based devices (like phones and laptops), up the cortisol production in our brain. That makes us more alert and slows down the production of melatonin, which we need to sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends turning off those devices an hour before bed. Instead have some tea and read a book then get into bed with the lights off. You’ll get more and better sleep and feel ready to take on the day.

Make grocery lists.

Instead of wandering the aisles of a market grabbing whatever may look good to you in the moment, make an organized grocery list before you head out. Researchers have found that shoppers who made lists also made better food choices and had lower body weights. Making a list will make you think about what you’ll cook and eat during the week. And might also help you meal plan, which also leads to healthier eating habits. [pagebreak]

Mediate for three minutes every day.

The benefits of meditation are well documented: meditation helps lower stress, boost brain skills, decrease blood pressure, and more. But the thought of meditation for a prolonged period of time seems daunting, especially in these busy days. But what about meditating for three, five, or ten minutes? Download an app, like HeadSpace, to help you get started and pledge the minimum amount of time. You’ll notice a change in just a few weeks and then maybe you’ll be ready to commit a few more minutes.

Start your day with one glass of water.  

You know you’re supposed to have eight glasses of water per day and you never do. And you know that water is magical: it helps with weight loss, digestion, it can even help improve your mood! Instead of tackling eight big glasses, try to start your day with one, as soon as you get up. It will get things moving (biologically speaking) and set you off on the right track. Just keep a glass by your bed and down it as soon as you wake up. Your one glass down for the day.

Stretch while watching tv.

Americans watch a few hours of tv per day (we know, it doesn’t feel like we watch that much tv…) All of that sitting (compounded if you also sit at your job most of the day) isn’t great for our body and can hurt movement and mobility. But just because you’re trying to move doesn’t mean you have to skip your favorite show. Just combine the two! If you’re watching tv, you’ve probably committed to a certain amount of time already (say 30 minutes for a sitcome, an hour for a drama). Use it to move!