It’s difficult to wake up one morning and convince yourself that you have the time or energy to make changes in your life - even if they’re for the better. That’s why we should take advantage of opportunities like New Years, an event dedicated to celebrating the start of a new year, and if you want, a new you. Making a commitment to being healthier in the new year doesn’t just have to be about your physical health, you can make your resolution about whatever you think you need to be healthier and happier. Here are 7 ways that we think could help you have a healthier & happier new year and new you (just to give you some ideas):
Everyone is busy and it’s difficult to force ourselves to give up what little free time we can scrape together to do something that can be painful and tiring. But, it is proven that exercise releases endorphins which can lead to positive health and wellbeing. You might be sick of people telling you that regular physical activity can help you feel better, but it’s the truth. You don’t have to enter a marathon - a brisk walk of 30 minutes a day or going to the gym 3 times a week will produce a noticeable and enjoyable effect on both your physical and mental health. What’s important is finding an activity that works for you and doing your best to stick to your routine.
2. Getting outside more
Going to the gym for exercise is great and if that’s how you enjoy getting your physical activity then you should definitely keep it up. But don’t underestimate the power of fresh air and nature. Being in natural spaces, like a park or the countryside, can help boost your positivity and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Recent studies have found that exposure to nature’s green spaces can have positive impacts on our health as well. It’s not always easy to find the time, but even 10 minutes a day could help you feel good.
3. More time for friends and family
Studies have found maintaining good social relationships is just as helpful to supporting our health as getting good sleep or having a healthy diet. Research has shown that people who socialise, whether that’s with family, friends or people in their community, are likely to have fewer health problems and to live longer. You don’t have to accept every invitation, especially in these strange times, however making time for friends and family and maintaining those social relationships that are important to you can have positive effects, on both your mental and physical health.
Learning something new can help boost your confidence and keeps your brain active during times when you would normally be binge-watching Netflix or browsing social media. Plus, you could even use it as a way to connect with your friends or family, why not ask someone to join you if you feel nervous about joining a new club or hobby? It could be anything from learning how to knit to an online local history or book club. Studies have found that engaging in hobbies that you enjoy can help lower cortisol levels and blood pressure.
5. Make your home into a nest
Making an effort to create a safe and comfortable space for yourself can be extremely helpful in feeling less stressed and more positive. You could do this by essentially making your home into a ‘nest’; creating something comfortable, relaxing and warm. Think about what makes you happy, maybe that’s having better lighting by adding a few lamps or candles, or it’s making the space more cozy by adding a few fluffy cushions and throws. Your ‘nest’ should be unique to you and focused around the things that you need to feel comfortable.
6. Be kind to yourself
January is a tough time of year and you may be feeling listless or like it’s a chore to get through the day. Especially after the initial excitement of starting a new year has died down, that’s why this is an important time to be kind to yourself. Remember to nurture and nourish yourself when these moments happen – from booking a yoga session, to having coffee with a friend (whether online or in person) or running a hot bath – whatever makes you feel good, you should do. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself and your mental health. In fact, it’s incredibly important.
7. Take your health into your own hands by taking supplements
The final way you can be healthier and happier this new year is by taking your health into your own hands. There’s no harm in doing some research to learn what kind of foods you should be eating to look after your health and what supplements you could be taking to support your body. For instance, Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, but 50% of the population has a Vitamin D deficiency. Our Sunshine Vitamin D is packed with high potency D3 in its most bioactive, most absorbable and effective form of this valuable nutrient. Get all the benefits of daily sunshine without the UV damage.
As well as Vitamin D, here are several other supplements worth considering for your general health and well being.
Triple Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids: It is estimated that as many as 8 out of 10 people aren’t getting enough essential fatty acids (EFAs) from their diet. EFAs are used in every cell of our body and are especially important for our brain, heart and joints. Our triple 3-6-9 contains all your EFAs in ideal ratios for optimum mind and body health using only the finest sources for the highest quality ingredients in easy to swallow gel capsules.
Advanced Probiotic Formula: This is a high strength gut balancing probio which is vegan and lacto free to boost good health and immunity with a guaranteed 5 billion CFU’s per capsule to encourage healthy gut microflora levels with added olive leaf and biotin.
Advanced Immunity Formula: In these times it is a good idea to boost your immunity system and be fighting fit with this all-in-one antiviral and antibacterial formula containing 20 powerful natural ingredients including Vitamin C, zinc and selenium.
Organic Wholefood Multivitamax: This is a complete wholefood formula of essential vitamins, minerals, metals, enzymes, nutrient rich herbs and superfoods which support strong immunity and provides the body with optimum nutrients – certified organic by the Soil Association. Only 1 in 4 adults eat the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This is the easy, convenient way to get your 5 a day in an all natural nutrient rich capsule to keep your body at optimal health.
If you feel your initial enthusiasm for being healthier and happier in the new year is waning, don’t give up! Here’s one of our favourite mantras to use when we feel like it’s just too much trouble: the days you least feel like doing it, are the days that you need to do it the most. These are the days where you can really put into action some of the above tips. Keep going – wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!
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