We all know what it is like to start the New Year off with life-changing goals and big dreams about improving our lifestyles, just to give up on those goals in a few days or weeks. Usually, the problem is that we are building up huge expectations for ourselves, without realizing how long it would take and how much work would be required to get there. Keep reading to find out how you can kickstart your health and fitness journey in the New Year.
This year, you can change your method by picking only a few key things you would like to focus on, whether it is getting into shape, improving your nutrition, getting more sleep, or managing stress. Focusing on only a few small habits will make these goals easier to reach, and then you can add on more goals in the future when you feel ready to take on more responsibility.
A Common Health Goal: Building Healthy Habits
There are multiple things that go into improving your overall health. If you feel that you are lacking in one or a few of these aspects, these might be good resolutions to make for yourself in the New Year.
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Exercise and Physical Activity
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- If you feel that you need to improve your exercise habits and become more physically active, there’s countless options for you to choose from that will get you moving again.
- You could vow to go on daily walks or jogs, and slowly increase the amount of time spent as you become stronger and more comfortable moving every day. You could also focus on strength training by going to the gym and developing specific workout routines that work best for you.
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Nutrition and Dietary Choices
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- Wanting to improve your nutrition is one of the most common goals that people face every year. Whether you are hoping to cut back on junk food, eat more fruits and vegetables, or develop a daily meal-prepping plan, your goals are valid and widely shared with many other people.
- No matter what your food goals are, you should also focus on improving your hydration because it is one of the cornerstones of nutrition and often overlooked by people beginning their wellness journey.
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Sleep and Recovery
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- This is always a great goal to focus on because it is hard to gain strength and stamina without good rest and recovery. In order to recover physically and mentally, you need at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. This allows you to start building healthy habits because other wellness practices require proper rest so your body can heal, regenerate, and recharge.
- A lack of proper rest can cause stress, mood swings, reduced cognitive function, and poor decision-making. A well-rested body and mind can better handle many challenges, like starting and maintaining healthy habits.
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Manage Stress
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- Stress can greatly impact your physical and mental well-being, so it is important to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Some of the best techniques are meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises, which also help you recover from your daily fitness routines.
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No matter what goals you work toward, it is important to stay consistent. Steady momentum is necessary to make lasting changes to your way of living because it makes the new habits second nature. Not to mention, consistency builds a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel great after finishing a workout or cooking a nutritious meal.
Kickstart Your Health and Fitness Journey in the New Year at Body Balance
At Body Balance, we take pride in our holistic method of caring for your health, fitness, and wellbeing. The physical, mental, and social well-being of a person are interconnected in the holistic approach to health. We believe that a person should focus on improving all three aspects of their lives to improve their health and wellness altogether.
We offer support with personal fitness training, therapeutic massages, and nutrition coaching, all catered to your individual needs to help you reach your wellness goals. A crucial thing that helps you start and maintain a healthy habit is accountability. We can help you stay on track to reach your goals, while also providing support and altering your wellness roadmap to fit your daily needs.
Most of all, we understand that consistency should be prioritized over intensity. As long as you are making sustainable progress, you will reach your health and wellness goals this year.
Wise, Troy. “Building Healthy Habits for 2024.” Fitness Project, 25 Oct. 2023, fitnessproject.us/blog/building-healthy-habits-for-2024/.
Stovall, Lisa. “Your Ultimate Guide to Setting and Achieving Wellness Goals in 2024.” Total Wellness, 11 Dec. 2023, info.totalwellnesshealth.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-setting-wellness-goals.
