5 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions For Everyone
December 29, 2015
A new year for many of us feels like a fresh start, better choices and new opportunities. Did you know? The act of making New Year’s resolutions dates all the way back to the Babylonian times. The Babylonians would make promises to gods so that the deities would be gracious enough to bestow good favor upon them throughout the new year.
We have taken this tradition by making lists of things we want to accomplish, quit, or start in the year to come. Along with your personal resolutions, we have five that everyone (young & old!) should add to their list.
1.) Keep your brain sharp.
Keeping your brain active is one of the most beneficial things you could do in your youth to acquire the long term benefits. A healthy brain helps improve memory, critical thinking and cognition. Physical activity plays a major role in keeping the brain healthy as well as playing interactive video games, crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, or trivia quizzes.
These games can be played from mobile phones, tablets and of course good ol’ fashion books. Depending on your phone, visit the appropriate app store to download from thousands of free games that are both fun and challenging.
[Apple: iTunes | Android: Google Play]
2.) Get active & DO NOT give up.
The hardest part isn’t getting the gym membership, it’s keeping the motivation alive. Every year people add ‘exercise’ to their list but how many actually keep up? This year, we want to encourage people to stop giving up on themselves. Think about your personal body goals and write them down. For extra help and support, speak with your doctor, nutritionist, friends or family. (You don’t have to do it alone!)
Not sure where to begin? You can find many free workouts on YouTube that offer a variation of workouts for every age. Elder Gym offers an extensive online guide to working out specifically for the elderly. Many gyms offer a free trial and there are hundreds of mobile apps for health and fitness.
You can also start slowly by walking everyday for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase your time and speed every time. The opportunities are never ending, so throw your excuses out the window and get moving! You owe it to yourself. Don’t give up.
3.) Create a clean and safe space.
Remove any clutter in your home that can cause falls and other injuries. Do this in 10-20 minute long cycles once a week so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Getting rid of dust and dirt around the home will also rid the chances of dust mites and mold.
Check out these helpful tips from Good Housekeeping on how to do effective speed-cleaning around your home.
4.) Eat healthy.
If you already eat healthy, then we salute you. Keep up the good work!
For those that don’t: Start by incorporating healthier meals into your dinner menu a couple of times a week. Replace the fried fatty foods, heavy sauces, and red meats and with fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to add dark leafy greens, nuts, legumes and fruits to your menu as they consist of multiple health benefits.
Many people think healthy food doesn’t taste good, but it all depends on how its cooked and seasoned, so give it a try! To find healthy recipes and dinner ideas, follow our Eats and Treats board on Pinterest.
5.) Make someone else’s life better.
Do your part to make someone’s life better. There are many struggling people in the world that could benefit from a little care and compassion. Volunteer in your community or visit an elderly relative who may be lonely.
You don’t have to donate money to every charity you run across, your support and effort in spreading the message is just as effective. You can follow the organizations social media sites to get updates on news and events, which you can then share with your peers, who may be interested in helping out.
Of course you can’t help everyone, but spend a little more time this coming year to help at least one person.
These five resolutions are sure to make you happier and healthier for the new year! What else is on your 2016 New Year resolution list? Share with us on Facbook or Twitter! #BayAlarmMedical
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