10 Resolutions for 2016 – Commit for a healthier YOU!

It’s that time of the year when most people start to ponder over their New Year resolutions. Every year millions of people make New Year resolutions but 80% fail to keep them going through the year. It’s hard to keep up the enthusiasm going month after month after you’ve set goals for yourself, but it’s definitely not impossible. Most of us strive for unrealistic goals that are difficult to accomplish after a while..
Let this year be different, pick one of the following worthy resolutions, and stick to it.

Here’s to your health!

1. I will eat breakfast

A healthy breakfast will refuel my body after a whole 10-12 hours of previous night’s dinner and will get my metabolism going. It will help me concentrate better throughout the day and increase my productivity.

2. I will de-stress

Stress on a daily basis takes a toll on physical and mental health. No matter what the job is, day to day affairs can lead to a lot of stress. Pent up emotions can not only create feelings of distress and promote destructive behavior. So resolute to de-stress yourself by- sleeping adequate, exercise, meditation, yoga and follow your hobbies.

3. I will improve my posture at work

Prolonged use of computer, sitting at one place for hours together can cause muscle aches and discomfort. This routine on a daily basis through the years of work can lead to permanent damage.

Follow these tips for maintain a good posture at work

Sit all the way back in the chair: Keep knees equal to or at lower level than the hips with your feet supported. Use a foot stool if possible, especially if you are short heighted.

Take a break, or several one or two minutes break every 20-30 minutes, and five minute break every hour. This will ensure that you do not strain your muscles.

4. I will get an annual health check up: Scheduling an annual routine check up for all your family members is a thoughtful New Year gift. Discuss your general health related queries and need for undergoing some preventive screening tests.

5. I will get adequate and good quality sleep

I know it is difficult to keep your hands off your mobile/tablet/laptop late at night. But, believe me late night usage of gadgets is one of the main reasons for low quality and inadequate sleep. This year make a resolution to keep all electronic devices out of the room and pledge to sleep at least 7 hours of sound sleep.

Spend time with your family, drink a relaxing herbal/green tea/glass of milk with turmeric, take a warm water bath, read a book, listen to soft music, meditate for a few minutes before going to sleep. Will help you divert your attention from the regular late night gadget addiction!

6. I will practice mindful eating

Don’t make your body a garbage bin. Every time you put food in your mouth ask yourself – “Is this healthy?” Mindless eating can lead to a lot of calorie consumption and can add up to an extra of 600 calories daily to your diet. The next time you are tempted by a food, when you are not actually hungry, have a list of other healthy/nutritious substitutes to try instead. Divert yourself by drinking a green tea, taking a stroll, have a quick chat with a co-worker, or simply drink a glass of refreshing water!

7. I will avoid crash diets

Diets that promote large amounts of protein and fat, like low carb diets, might help you lose weight but the effects of these are short term. Finally, NO pain – NO gain-an ideal weight/fat loss plan must include regular exercise in addition to a wholesome diet. Remember no crash diet can be substitute for a healthy diet.

8. I will NOT drink carbonated beverages

Believe it or not consumption of fizzy carbonated drinks is on a fall in the United States and surprisingly on the rise in Middle East and Asia. It’s an alarming call for us to re-write our habits. Ditch the carbonated drinks this year and replace them with healthier options like fresh lime, coconut water, chamomile tea, green tea and of course our desi shikanji! Water is any day your best bet. For a little change add up just enough juice to change the color along with an orange or a lime!

9. I will practice Deep Breathing everyday

Your best bet after a tiring day, I am sure is lying on the couch, watching TV. But for good relaxation what you need is a mentally active process which leaves the body calm and focused. Deep breathing is free and can be practiced anywhere- I bet you are even breathing right now! The key of course is focused breathing. Just 5-10 minutes of your day for deep breathing will reduce anxiety and reduce stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of blood to your brain and releases relaxing hormones, which promotes a state of calmness.

10. I will Exercise

The New Year is an amazing time to kick-start a new fitness plan – so as long as you create one you can stick with. Here’s how to build an exercise resolution that will keep you going well into the New Year.

-be specific

-keep your goal realistic

-choose something you love

-get a workout partner

-try a new workout regime if you get tired or bored of the same exercise routine

So let’s hit it. Dream it, Wish it, Do it!!! And keep up to it.