It’s already well into 2021 and that means there are scores of people right now trying to live up to the New Year’s resolutions they made for themselves. Only a few weeks ago they made promises to do better and enrich their lives. Maybe this meant setting targets, buying plane tickets, stocking the fridge with fruit and vegetables and joining gyms.
Whether you’re an eye-roller at New Year’s resolutions or you routinely make them every year, there is strong evidence that setting goals are powerful when it brings motivation to achieve. But why wait until that magic date at the start of a new year? You can make a difference to yourself any time with this list of achievable, everyday things that can improve your health (you don’t even have to call them resolutions if you don’t want to!)
- Meditate
Meditation is the holy grail of stress relief and having a positive impact on your mental health. Setting aside as little as 10 minutes per day to meditate can help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and blood pressure, all while improving your mental health, sleep, memory and mood.
The best part is you can do it anywhere! No incense or candles required.
- Move your body
Humans spend a lot of time doing sedentary things such as sitting in an office chair, driving, or occasionally binge-watching shows on the couch. Making a mental note to get up and move your body every 30 minutes by going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or even standing at your desk will have a great effect on your circulation, posture, and mental health.
- Water, water, water
Our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water. Water is essential to our everyday health and overall survival. Yet, not nearly enough people drink the recommended amount of water every day. The exact amount of water you need to consume daily depends on a lot of factors, but a good rule of thumb is to drink water when you’re thirsty and to make it your drink of choice throughout the day.
- Venture outdoors
It can become very easy to stay indoors all day when you’re focused on a task and have a busy schedule at work or home. But the great outdoors has some amazing health benefits and is usually only a few steps away. Going for a quick walk through a park or even sitting on some grass and taking in the fresh air and your surroundings can help reduce blood pressure, stress, anxiety, and improve your overall mental health.
- Take a break from technology
Technology is everywhere, and usually at our fingertips and in our peripherals for a good portion of the day. Taking some time to set aside your device and be present with yourself and/or the people around you is a great way of grounding yourself, self-reflecting, and connecting with others. It can also increase your productivity, freeing up some time to get other tasks done or enjoy a hobby, as well as improve your sleep and mental health.
- Get a massage
Whether you have a Relaxation Massage which essentially involves helping you feel relaxed and calm. Giving your body the chance to catch up from the daily stresses of life.
Or a Remedial Massage that holistically addresses the entire body to ease out injuries, aches and pains that people, unfortunately, get at some point in their life.