A new year, a new set of resolutions. We all start with the best intentions but sometimes willpower isn’t quite enough to stay on track. Wanting to make positive changes is one thing; making them stick is another. The following will help you overcome the hurdles to a healthier, happier you. Think of it as self-imposed life insurance.
Set realistic goals
Set realistic goals that work with your busy lifestyle. It will boost your confidence over time. Your belief that positive change is possible can be your most loyal sidekick. For example, drink more water. It’s the key to cleaner, clearer skin.
Don’t overdo it
Don’t overdo it. Make small changes, one or two at a time. Trade in your morning coffee for green tea or cut down on red meats in exchange for chicken and fish.
Integrate positive habits
The excuse that you’re too busy to eat healthy and get active is a common one. But it doesn’t have to be a chore. By integrating positive habits into your daily life, you’ll trade stress for energy. Keep nuts or dried fruit in your bag and take a walk when you’d normally grab a cab or public transport. Or take a stroll after dinner. If you have kids, it’s a great way to spend time with the family.
Eat more fruit and vegetables
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this. And it won’t be the last. Fruit and veggies are essential. Packed with vitamins and minerals, and high in fibre making you feel fuller for longer. Lose the biscuits and snack on raw veggies with healthy dips or blend up a fruit smoothie. Sure, cupcakes taste great but so does fruit. It’s nature’s nectar and with such variety and versatility, there are literally endless ways to enjoy it.
Treat yourself occasionally
It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s okay to treat yourself to the odd temptation from time to time. There’s no point in being too strict or hard on yourself. Rewarding yourself with a favourite treat once or twice a week will control cravings and binge eating and keep your healthy habits in check.
Work out more
Whether you’re just starting out, or have been exercising for years, a well-rounded workout schedule is beneficial for everybody. So important is regular exercise that providers of life insurance online will take workout sessions into account when it comes to assessing your policy. Gyms aren’t for everyone and can be quite intimidating for beginners. Instead, work exercise in your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a walk at lunch or go swimming with friends when the sun’s out.
If you want to give the gym a go, nothing will get you to the there more regularly than a partner. Find a friend who has a similar schedule and plan weekly sessions. It beats going for coffee or cocktails where you’re just consuming calories.
There is no shortage of advice out there for a healthier lifestyle. While it’s at your discretion as to what advice you choose to adhere to, one thing’s for sure; straying from your course of action is bound to happen. View these times as learning opportunities, not failures. There’s no point in beating yourself up about it. And when the time comes to reviewing your life insurance online then you can feel proud to tick the healthier checkboxes.
Joanne Lemke is a final year creative writing student at UOW, who is looking to break into the corporate copywriting space once she graduates and hopefully go on to eventually some day write a book around her other passions, namely cooking and travel.
