Why do a reported 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February? Often these plans are not actionable, enjoyable, or positive. Instead of an engaging set of goals, many common resolutions read more like a laundry list of what not to do.
This year, put a new spin on New Year’s resolutions with these realistic and positive approaches to changing how you eat, think, and move for better health.
New Year’s Resolutions for Eating
The start of 2021 doesn’t mean that COVID-19 and flu season are in the past. It’s more important than ever to stay on top of your overall health and wellbeing. So rather than drastically reducing calories or cutting out entire food groups, try to adopt an immunity-boosting diet as one of your resolutions.
According to research, ingesting immune-supporting micronutrients can help protect your body from microbial attacks and excess inflammation. Make it a goal to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nuts as they are high in zinc, selenium, iron, vitamins C and D, and other micronutrients for immune support. Specifically, these include citrus fruits, green vegetables, and various nut types like almonds and cashews.
Likewise, create a secondary New Year’s resolution to incorporate a new probiotic recipe, such as a smoothie or breakfast bowl, into your diet each week. Scientists have found that the microbiome in your gut plays a significant role in immune function. Some research shows probiotic foods like yogurt, kombucha, bananas, and garlic contain microbiome-supporting bacteria that can bolster immune function.
New Year’s Resolutions for Thinking
For your mental health, set a New Year’s resolution to begin journaling. As a tool to stay on top of your mental status, journaling can help you better understand current concerns, track day-to-day stress and anxiety triggers, and provide an outlet for positive self-discussion. This process has shown to effectively aid in managing anxiety, reducing stress, and coping with depression.
Similarly, make it a resolution to add some greenery to your living space. Research has shown that living in or near green spaces can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost cognition. Easy-care indoor plant varieties like aloe vera and snake plants create an in-home natural setting to support mental health and can also help improve air quality
New Year’s Resolutions for Moving
With the many restrictions on brick-and-mortar gyms this year, make a resolution to attend at least one virtual exercise class a week in 2021. From live streams to in-home equipment that supports real-time classes, there are now more options than ever to get a full-body workout from the comfort of your home.
Make another resolution to get out and explore. Whether it’s a quick trip to your grocery store or a walk around the local park, make it a point to use your feet to get where you’re going. Aim to walk to at least four destinations each week, while observing all COVID precautions, like social distancing and mask wearing.
Plus, Good Preventive Health in New Year
Did you know that 108 million American adults have high blood pressure — but only one in four knowingly has the condition under control? Preventive health screenings are critical to identifying any underlying or unknown health risks you may have. Make it a New Year’s resolution to start the year strong with a preventive health exam. Take the initiative to discuss and understand any concerns to help you live a happier and healthier life in 2021.
Before you go, make it a resolution to do some family history research. Health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers are often connected through hereditary genes. Doing some research can illuminate specific risk factors and questions you should ask your doctor.
Stay Well in 2021
Don’t let another year go by without nailing your New Year’s resolutions. Ditch the outdated laundry list of don’ts and construct a positive, engaging, and health-centric set of 2021 New Year’s resolutions.