Give yourself a chance by setting reasonable resolutions for a healthy 2016
Here we are again, with another year upon us.
If you kicked off your year regrettably locking lips with a stranger before belting out a belligerently drunk rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”, not to worry, there still is hope for your resolutions.
Perhaps you’re one of the people that choose a path to better health as your resolution—but often people will bite off more than they can chew when it comes to resolutions, and ditch them by February.
This year, if you want to keep your ‘#fitnessgoals’ for all 12 months, give some of these tips a shot.
1. Thinking about hitting the gym? Maybe think again.
Despite the fact that the busiest time of the year at gyms is right after New Year’s, you may have to get real about a commitment to go.
The easiest part is picking out a killer outfit and showing up at the gym looking like a Nike ad. Slightly more difficult is picking out a playlist of bangers to get your blood pumping. The hardest part of it all is actually dragging yourself out of bed to make the icy pilgrimage to the gym in -30 degree weather.
If you’re not ready to make a full commitment to the gym, look at some other options, maybe join an intramural team or lace up your skates and hit the canal.
2. Try to let go of your unhealthy vices
You’ll be thanking yourself later in the year if you can get rid of some occasional vices.
Instead of pounding back that shawarma at 3 a.m. always make sure you eat a healthy and filling dinner if you know you’re going to have a late night.
Beyond food, many people are more likely to light up a casual cigarette when they’ve consumed alcohol. You know better, even when you’re just having fun—don’t do it.
According to a study by the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes 66 days on average to form a new habit. By March you can be on the road to better health by overcoming your vices.
3. Be an adult, take some vitamins
You’re not Peter Pan, sometimes you have to grow up.
If you don’t have them already, go pick up a daily multivitamin. You may not see a wealth of physical results but your body will thank you one day.
For your inner child, plenty of brands provide fruit-flavoured gummy options.
4. Commit to sleeping better
Being a university student is stressful and many let this affect the quality of sleep they receive.
No one should be getting only four hours each night, and once you make the commitment to your rest you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Try waking up earlier each morning so you’re tired earlier that night. There is nothing wrong with going to bed before midnight and waking up after eight hours to see the sun come up.
It may be tough to get into the schedule at first, but soon it will become routine
5. Take care of your mental health
In the same vein as getting good sleep, your brain needs rest for solid functionality.
Make sure to take a few hours out of each week to just stop everything else and do something for you. Clear your mind and listen to some music, instead of going out just throw on a movie and have a night for yourself.
You can only do so much for other people, sometimes you just need to take care of yourself.
Here’s to a great New Year, and healthy goals that last to see 2017!
