Whether it is growing mentally or spiritually or developing healthier habits, most of us are always pushing to do better. The beginning of a new year is always a good time for self-reflection and setting goals. This also includes adopting healthier habits. 

Here are some goals you can set to improve your health in the coming year:

1. Keeping your body weight in check:

Using body weight as a marker of a person’s health has become a controversial topic in recent years. It is important to note that obesity is still a key risk factor for conditions like atherosclerosis, chronic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Therefore, while one should never obsess over their weight, keeping it within the optimal BMI range is important.

2. Limit alcohol intake:

Quitting alcohol is one of the best things you can do for your health in 2023. Not only will you leave hangovers behind, but there are countless health advantages. Alcohol is linked to several types of cancers, including liver, breast, and bowel cancer. Furthermore, drinking alcohol can lead to other long-term health problems such as heart disease, stroke, liver diseases, gut problems, and sexual dysfunction.

If you’re struggling to overcome alcohol dependency, it is always helpful to look into evidence based treatment options or join a support group. 

3. Getting enough sleep:

While people focus on many aspects of their health, the importance of quality sleep is often neglected. Quality sleep is vital for optimal growth hormone secretion, memory and cognition, and muscle repair. Therefore, if you don’t get enough sleep or don’t have a proper sleep schedule, this is one of the most important goals you can set for the new year.

4. Movement:

The importance of exercise can’t be emphasized enough. Even if you choose not to go to the gym, incorporating some physical activity into your routine is important. Exercise also helps release endorphins which boost your mood. Exercise, along with proper nutrition, is important for longevity. You must make it a point to incorporate exercise into your routine in the upcoming year. Be it taking a walk for thirty minutes, playing in the park with kids, or just taking up a sport you enjoy, make sure you keep active throughout the day.

5. Quit smoking:

One of the best decisions you can make for your health is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, and neoplastic lesions. 

6. Eat healthier:

Maintaining a healthy diet is easier said than done. You should consistently plan your meals, try to cook the day before or for the week, and get ingredients from the market timely, so you never run out of them and have to order takeout. While sticking to a specific diet can be difficult, it can be the most rewarding habit you can develop for the coming year.

7. Limit screen-time:

While our phones have made our lives easier in more ways than can be listed here, excessive screen time can be very detrimental to our health. It may surprise you to know that the average screen time for a person is almost seven hours. Make it a point to reduce screen time in the coming year.

8. Meditate:

The world around us is quite fast-paced, and we often forget to slow down and take a breather. Meditation can induce a sense of peace, calmness, and balance which is good for your mental and physical health. Taking a few minutes out of your day to sit down and meditate will do wonders for your emotional well-being. You could meditate with the help of a guided program or sit alone in nature. Incorporating meditation into your daily routine is one of the best things you can do for yourself in the coming year. 

Conclusion:

Making changes to your lifestyle isn’t easy. It requires motivation, dedication, and discipline to make healthier choices every day. But once you get the hang of it, you will have developed habits, and it will be easier to stay on track.

We all know a healthy body is important for a healthy mind. Staying fit will also help you avoid conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Exercise also helps manage stress and keeps our cortisol levels in check. 

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t immediately see results or get off track for a while. Goals are always easier to make than keep up with, so don’t be too hard on yourself.