FEEL-GOOD HABITS TO EMBRACE IN 2018

Change. Why is it that the changes we promise to make on New Year’s Day are so easily broken just a few days later? Why is it that sticking with new, healthy habits can seem like such a challenge? One reason might be that we’re not actually enjoying the process of making those changes. But what if they were fun? What if these healthy changes were more like treats that filled us with good feelings instead of resentment or cravings for old, not-so-healthy habits?  With this in mind – the idea that changes that feel fun are the ones that’ll stick – I’ve put together a ‘pleasurable plan’ for 2018. No resolutions to fail at or promises to break, just a short list of feel-good and good-for-you behavioral to-dos with positive effects on your health.  Simply add one of these new habits per week and by Valentine’s Day, you’ll have made big strides towards better health. Here’s where to start:

 HEALTHY HABIT: MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

Not feeling rested in the morning? Then use the long month of January to help you relearn the art of sleep. To brush up on your skills for better sleep. Try to unwind before going to sleep with a warm bath or relaxing music and avoid watching TV or social media for at least one hour. Get to bed an hour earlier than usual. If restorative sleep remains elusive despite your best efforts, kick it up a notch with a new mattress. Your mission: to find a healthy, comfortable, budget and eco-friendly mattress that will encourage restorative sleep.

 HEALTHY HABIT: GREET THE DAY GENTLY

The sound of a screeching alarm clock piercing the dawn can be a shock to the system, and a rather abrupt way to start the day. But how to ensure you’ll get out of bed on time, even on dark winter mornings? One gentler way is with a ‘dawn simulator’ clock to help wake you more naturally, with simulated sunlight rather than noise. If the dawn simulation method isn’t quite enough for you, then consider a progressive alarm, which gradually increases in volume, or try one of the not-so-jarring alarm options on the IPhone, like the ‘strum’ tone.

 HEALTHY HABIT: QUIET YOUR MIND

Everyone knows that meditation offers amazing benefits for the body, mind and spirit and yet many people still think they ‘just can’t find the time.’ I beg to differ – you don’t need to meditate for hours to reap the advantages (although that’s good too). Even just a few minutes each day will help quiet your mind before the chaos of the day takes hold, reduce blood pressure, anxiety and even stroke risk. Though meditation will confer health benefits no matter when you do it, if you’re new to the practice, you may find that a brief session first thing in the morning is the easiest time to fit it in. If winding down in the evenings makes more sense for you, meditate a few minutes before bed. It may also help bring on sleep.

 HEALTHY HABIT: BATHE YOUR BREAKFAST IN NUTRIENTS

The easiest meal of the day to give a nutritional makeover to is breakfast. Trade your cereal bowl for a tall glass and switch over to a daily morning smoothie. They’re probably the quickest and easiest change you can make to do something nutritionally fantastic for your body. A simple smoothie front-loads your day with a solid dose of energy-boosting nutrients, satisfying good fats, fiber and protein, while helping keep blood sugar and energy levels on an even keel.  With this excellent daily foundation, every smart nutritional choice that follows helps boost well-being and energy even further, enabling you to eat your way healthy.

 HEALTHY HABIT: STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. LITERALLY.

Prolonged bouts of sitting. It’s considered by some to be almost as dangerous as smoking – and a lot of us are sitting way too much. With numerous studies indicating that prolonged sitting boosts risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes and spinal subluxation, it’s essential that we get off our duffs and start standing far more than we sit. Granted it’s a challenge for those with office jobs, but any standing you can do during the day will help stem the tide. Two of the easiest ways to make sure you get out of the chair more frequently? Drink plenty of water (to encourage trips to the loo) and set an alarm on your desktop or phone to go off every 45 minutes or so to remind you to stand up and do a lap around the office. Fitness trackers like Fitbit and Jawbone will also remind you to stand up for your health.

 HEALTHY HABIT: HIT THE SAUNA OR STEAM ROOM

There’s something about a sauna. Not only do they feel great but they aid your body in a number of restorative processes, helping to flush out toxins, lower blood pressure, relax muscles, stimulate immunity, improve blood flow and speed muscle recovery. Before diving into a regular sauna routine, check with your doc. Once you get the all clear, two or three sessions a week in a steam room or sauna will do.

 HEALTHY HABIT: COOK AT HOME MORE OFTEN

If you’re looking for a lasting sustainable health fix, your kitchen is an excellent place to start. When you cook at home and make your own meals with fresh, local and/or organic ingredients, each bite delivers loads of bio-available, health-supporting nutrients. At home, you’re in control and in charge of what goes onto your plate. And cooking at home is a great lesson for the kids, an opportunity to teach them an important life skill, one which will stand them in good stead forever.