Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

December has come and gone and many San Diegans may be feeling the holiday hangover. As you step out of the whirlwind of bright lights, candy canes, and endless errands, you may be feeling a bit run down and ready for a reboot.

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than by making healthy choices. Don’t just make a new resolution; make small lifestyle changes to improve your health that you will stick with all year long. Instead of looking at healthy resolutions as an all-or-nothing thing, try to view each of them as a small step in your path to health. Here are a few New Year’s Resolutions that are healthy and easy to keep.

7 Simple Healthy New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Prepare your meals

When you eat at home you are able to control the quality of the ingredients in your food as well as the portion size. When you cook at home, you can keep the ingredients healthy, only prepare what you need, and avoid temptation from the unhealthy choices on the menu.

2. Walk your dog

Even if you don’t have a dog, the point here is to get more exercise. If you DO have a dog, this is an easy change you can make to combine exercise with an activity your dog will thank you for. In San Diego, it’s easy to get Fido out year-round. In addition to the health benefits that come with spending time with your pup (read more about the health benefits of dogs here), there is an endless list of health benefits to exercise including improved mood, reduced cholesterol, and lowered blood pressure.

3. Get more sleep

Studies have shown that just one extra hour of sleep per night can make significant improvements to your health. These improvements are dramatic in regard to heart health, where one extra hour of sleep nightly can significantly reduce coronary artery calcification and lower systolic blood pressure by 16 points.

4. Start a new hobby

Hobbies are an excellent way to relieve stress. They allow you to focus on something positive, be creative, and forget your troubles. The stress relief offered by hobbies can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol, and improve both your mood and your overall health. You may feel like you don’t have time to add one more thing to, but it’s worth your health in the long run to take time out for yourself and do something that makes you feel good.

5. Drink more water

Almost every cell in your body needs water. Chances are you aren’t drinking enough water to nourish them all. Up your daily water intake to aid digestion and constipation, relieve headaches and migraines, and improve your mood.

6. Be social

Research has shown that people with strong social circles live longer than those without. It has also been shown that a lack of social bonds can HARM your health more than obesity and lack of exercise. Technology has made connecting with others easier than ever, so get online and schedule some quality time with friends!

7. Spend more time with your family

This one checks all of the boxes for the resolutions listed above. You can be social, get exercise, drink water, walk your dog, prepare a family meal, and work on a hobby, all with your family. By the time you’re done, you will need that extra hour of sleep!

The team of doctors at Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups wishes you a healthy and happy New Year! Schedule an appointment today with our highly rated doctors to discuss your health goals for the New Year.

Do you have a healthy New Year’s Resolution? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Healthy Lifestyles Managing Illness
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