Here it is . . . the new year! Every year it’s the same thing: eat healthy and exercise to maintain or get back into shape. But after two or three weeks into the new year, old habits start creeping back. And there she is: the same old . . . me!
Well, if you want to change this for 2024, then tell yourself over and over and over again that YOU CAN DO THIS! And girrrrl . . . I know, It’s easier said than done. To do this, you need to really dig into your WHY (why do you want to change?), your WHO (who are you changing for?), and your WHAT (what are you doing about it?)!
I’m sharing eight realistic healthy habits you can incorporate into the new year to help you make those positive changes!
Find an exercise you’re passionate about.
This was a game changer for me in 2023. Find your passion–whether it’s dancing, swimming, walking, or boxing. I never knew that boxing was my thing until I tried it out. And I love it! Try something new or different, because you may just need to get out of your everyday, boring “workout rut-ine!”
Focus on nutrition.
As a family, it’s hard because what the kids eat isn’t always what you want to eat, and vice versa. However, for healthy habits focused on nutrition, DISCIPLINE is what makes you strong. Say what you’re eating out loud and see if it sounds appetizing or healthy to you! This is definitely my weakest change, because there’s always a birthday or occasion where I can make up excuses about why I need this cake, ice cream, or cookie!
Now that I am older, my body can’t handle all the things I used to eat, so that is the reason I keep telling myself over and over again.
Get enough sleep.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Yikes, good luck! As mothers, we have too many interruptions that go bump, wahhh, or if you’re like me, an old dog that needs to go out at 3:00 a.m.! Uninterrupted sleep is truly a luxury in my mind. But, listen to your body, and if you’re tired . . . REST. You deserve it!
Go to the doctor.
If you’re like me, going to the doctor is always a joy because I love my doctor. But, just make sure you’re visiting your doctor like you do for your kids. Keeping you healthy first will keep your kids healthy, too!
Identify stress triggers.
What triggers your stress level? Identify these factors and remind yourself to breathe and say out loud: “Everything will be okay!” Do something calming, or take your mind off what is stressful and think of your happy place. For me, it’s toes in the sand!
Plan to be around people.
What gives you energy? I love to meet and talk to different people! Making plenty of plans and creating more social activities–like joining a bowling league or planning monthly get-togethers with friends and family–will keep you happy and healthy!
Remember the importance of hydration.
Water sounds so amaaaazing–especially when you think about how we are so lucky to have access to clean, pure drinking water. There is still an abundant number of people who don’t have easy access to safe water in our world. Think about this, and you will drink and feel thankful for something we take for granted every day. (Another way to remember to hydrate is to set an alarm!)
Try to limit screen time.
Yes, I know. How in the world can you limit screen time in a world like today? This is something I personally need to work on, only because my job relies on it. Again, setting an alarm is a great way to do this. Try to create more social activities as opposed to social media; this will help with reaching for the phone out of habit.
I know these healthy habits are a lot to think about for 2024. But, repeating this over and over helps. And again, remember: WHY are you doing this? WHO are you doing this for? And WHAT are you doing about it?
