New Year’s is the perfect time to start over. There are no self-imposed restrictions or inhibitions that you have to worry about coming up in conversation with people, and it also motivates improving yourself. The question becomes how do you make this new beginning count?
The 10 New Year’s resolutions below will help you to do just that. They aren’t too challenging and they aren’t impossible, but it will take a little time and effort on your part to get into the routine of things. It helps if you set specific goals for yourself.
1. Walk One-Hour Each Day
Research has shown that walking each day can significantly improve your health. It strengthens the heart, increases stamina, and lowers blood pressure. But did you know it also helps with weight loss? There is even evidence to suggest that by adding an extra half hour of exercise (such as jogging, swimming or cycling), you can double the fat-loss benefit that you receive from walking. This resolution is an easy way to improve your health while at the same time losing weight.
The next time you want to go for a walk, why not take it to the swim spa? When you engage in low-impact exercise within the swim spa, you can burn calories, strengthen muscles and get your body moving. This regular means of exercise can provide you with a comfortable and more effective alternative that puts less stress on muscles and joints.
2. Read One Book Every Week
Reading is a great way to relax and it also helps reduce stress, so set aside some time each week to read a book. Not only will it help you relax, but if the book is interesting and informative, it will give you something to talk about with family and friends at social gatherings. Reading also helps with concentration and attention span. If your goal each week is to read one chapter of a book or two articles from a magazine, then on the seventh day of the week, take a break and relax.
3. Drink 8+ Glasses of Water
Water helps you to feel full which can prevent you from overeating. If you drink eight glasses of water each day, then you will burn approximately 288 extra calories. This averages out to about one pound per month if your goal is weight loss. You will also improve your complexion and if you drink enough water, you may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
4. Reduce Your Screentime
Studies have shown that exposure to excessive screen time hurts health. It causes eye strain and the repetitive action of the muscles. You can avoid such problems by using your devices in moderation. Use this time to catch up with family members and spend time doing something more productive and fun.
Sometimes even soaking in a hot tub or spending time outside in your backyard oasis can be a good substitute.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer including liver cancer. People who drink regularly are also more likely to smoke cigarettes, which puts them at even greater risk for these diseases. If you do drink alcohol, then limit it to one serving per day or cut back on your consumption by 20 percent. Instead of drinking beer or wine, try ordering a club soda with lime or fruit juice if you want to drink something while out with friends.
6. Cut Back on Salt and Sugar Intake
Excessive salt and sugar are bad for your health. Sodium causes high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and strokes. Cutting back on salt will help you maintain a healthy weight because it keeps you from retaining water. Sugar is not as bad as sodium, but if you want to lose weight, then you should avoid it whenever possible.
7. Improve Your Posture
Bad posture is not only unattractive, but it can also cause pain and fatigue. If your job involves sitting or standing in one place for long periods, then take a few moments every half hour to stretch and do some back exercises. This small effort can go a long way towards improving your health because it can prevent back, neck, and shoulder problems.
8. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it will improve your health. There are several ways to help you quit smoking- such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and nicotine patches. Many smokers find that they feel better after just a few months of quitting. Your blood pressure will return to normal, your risk for heart disease will greatly decrease, and you will look younger.
9. Reduce Stress
When you are stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol. Cortisol speeds up your heart rate and makes you feel anxious. When this happens, it can lead to overeating which can eventually lead to obesity. It also prevents the body from absorbing nutrients- which means that even if you eat healthy foods, your body will not be getting the full benefits of what you eat. Try to destress by going for a walk, relaxing in a sauna, or listening to calming music. Yoga is also helpful because it allows you to let go of stress, especially if you attend classes several times per week.
10. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is important because it conserves your energy and keeps your immune system healthy. Getting just one less hour of sleep each night for a week will affect you so try to get at least eight hours each night. There are many reasons why we sleep, but the main one is to allow our bodies and brains to rest and recover from a long day’s work. Most people feel their best when they wake up refreshed after getting enough sleep.
Did you know that spending time inside of a hot tub can help to improve your sleep patterns?
- Eased muscle tension, making it easier to get comfortable and rest
- Relaxation and stress relief, helping you sleep easier at night
- Low-impact exercise, helping to boost your overall health and expel excess energy
Creating an effective bedtime routine can also help to improve your sleep patterns. Start to get ready for bed at least one hour prior to, with relaxing activities such as a skin care routine, reading a book, meditating, or listening to an audiobook.
Live a Healthier Lifestyle with Paradise Valley Spas
Making lifestyle choices can be an uphill battle if you do not know what to do. Keep in mind that changes don’t occur overnight. Sometimes having some time to yourself is the healthiest thing for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Using a hot tub, swim spa or sauna is a great way to indulge, relax and unwind after a long day. Take advantage of the wellness products and service solutions available at Paradise Valley Spas in California and take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. We can also help with any questions about maintenance, repairs, or installation.