It’s no secret that staying healthy in the New Year can be a struggle. With so many new changes in our lives and a plethora of unknown toxins to avoid, it’s no wonder that staying healthy is such an uphill battle. However, focusing on maintaining our good habits rather than beating ourselves over every tiny slip-up or bad decision, is what will truly make a positive change. When you break it all down, there are only two things we need to stay happy and healthy: sleep and exercise. Neither one of these things come cheap, but investing just 30 minutes in some form of daily exercise can have a drastic impact on your health and well-being. And if you want to take things up a notch from there, we’ve got some great tips for staying healthy in the New Year!

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.

Sleep, what a paradox. We feel like we’re not getting enough of it, but then we find ourselves "crashed" at 3 a.m. every morning. The truth is, we’re all different. Some people are naturally more active than others and need less sleep while others are more active than others and need more sleep. What’s important to remember, though, is that the average adult needs six to eight hours of sleep each night. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get by on five hours of sleep, but it does mean that you’re not getting the optimal amount of rest that your body needs to function at its best. The more sleep you get, the better your body will function and the healthier you’ll be. If you suffer from insomnia or are just looking to make some positive changes in your life, adding an extra hour or two of sleep to your routine each night can make a big difference.

Exercise helps to keep you healthy.

There’s a reason that people are always trying to get fit right before the New Year: it makes a huge impact on your health and longevity. The healthier you are, the better you’ll be at fighting off diseases and maintaining a normal weight. If you’re not currently exercising and would like to start, you can start small. Start by walking around the block each day or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If you feel as though you’re missing out on something while doing these activities, don’t worry about what you look like or how fit you are. Just make sure you get your heart rate up and stay active. Studies have shown that when people feel as though they’re not getting enough exercise, they often turn to more strenuous activities that are likely to lead to overuse injuries, yet are missing the benefits of those first, small steps. If you’re looking to kick things up a notch, start with a 10-minute walk or jog and work your way up from there.

Pack a lunch, and take your dog to the park.

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to incorporate new, healthy habits into your daily life. While you may be tempted to skip this step while simultaneously trying to plan a healthy meal, it’s important to start small. Try to pack one healthy lunch each day and figure out which foods work best for you. If you’re not the type that loves to meal prep, there are plenty of pre-made, healthy options available at your local grocery store. Another great way to stay healthy is to take your dog for a walk at lunchtime. Studies have shown that people who take their dogs for short walks throughout the day have fewer overall health issues than those who do not. If you have time, pack a picnic and take your pup to the park for a bit. Not only will you be staying healthy, but you’ll be spending some time outdoors with your pet too!

Eat nutritious meals.

If there’s one thing that studies have shown over and over again, it’s that the quality of our meals matters more than the quantity. If you’re in the habit of snacking on prepackaged treats or chips throughout the day, you’re missing out on a lot of the health benefits that come from eating real food. Try to incorporate at least one healthy, a prepared meal each day. This can help to keep your metabolism elevated for hours, lowering your risk for weight gain. Not only that, but it’ll be far easier to stay away from junk foods with a healthy, nutritious meal as your foundation. If you struggle with portion control, it’s also important to keep in mind that healthy meals don’t have to be unappealing. There are plenty of pre-made, healthy options available at your local grocery store. Make sure that the meals you choose to eat are nutrient-rich, quality foods that will keep you healthy and energized throughout the day.

Don’t be afraid to try something new.

When it comes to staying healthy and happy, we often have preconceived notions about what works and what doesn’t. If you feel as though you’re missing out on something, try something new. There’s a good chance that your current diet is missing something important, and you just don’t know it. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a dietician or nutritionist about what type of diet would be best for you. Not only will you be able to make positive changes in your diet, but you’ll also be able to get some valuable advice on how to stay healthy in the New Year!

Conclusion

The truth is, staying healthy doesn’t have to be difficult. Yes, it takes work, but in the end, it’s worth it. Whether it’s taking the time to walk your dog each day, packing a healthy lunch, or incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy and happy in the New Year. By making these small changes, you can truly transform your health and well-being. If you’re looking to kick things up a notch, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and adding some form of exercise to your schedule. When it comes to staying healthy in the New Year, these are the two things that will make the most difference.