Can you believe that 2022 is almost upon us? It seems like it was just yesterday that 2021 started. The past two years have been a whirlwind for almost everyone I know. You’d be amazed at how many people have been in survival mode for far too long. While the past couple of years may have been about just getting by, there is so much more to life.
Many of you will start making your New Year’s Resolutions and the one that almost always comes up is weight loss. But I want to challenge you to think of something different in 2022. There are plenty of healthy habits to try out in 2022, here are some of the best, non-weight-related options.
What a great way to start the new year! While this post is about your health, you’d be amazed at how your outlook and perspective on life can change when you do kind things for someone else. Whether it’s buying a meal for the person on the street corner or making dinner for a new mom, there are plenty of ways to be kind. By choosing a resolution like this, you’ll get to help make the world a better place one person at a time.
It used to be taboo to talk about mental health issues. Now it’s all over social media and T.V. While the awareness is there, some of us still haven’t gotten the message. The truth is that it’s okay to not be okay and to seek appropriate help when you need it. If you want healthier habits in 2022, then you need to make your mental health a priority. You can do this by taking time off when you need it, getting counseling, and even going on medication if it helps you function. Depression and anxiety are nothing to be ashamed of, but so many people feel the need to cover it up.
Want healthier habits in 2022? Then get plenty of rest. Just because your eyes are closed and you wake up the next morning, it doesn’t automatically mean that you are well-rested. Create the right environment in your bedroom with blackout curtains, no blue lights from technology, and a white noise machine if you need it. A good night’s sleep almost every night will work wonders for your health. It’ll improve your immunity, your focus, and help you avoid those late afternoon candy runs.
There are many aspects to having a healthy gut. There is a growing body of evidence that gut health impacts everything including your brain function, immune system, and even your skin health. You want vibrant, glowing skin? Then give your gut a little love. There are plenty of supplements that can help including a magnesium drink, collagen, and even the ingredients for an easy 7 day cleanse. While adding the right nutrients will help a ton, it also helps to remove foods that your gut isn’t happy with. If you’re constantly getting heartburn after a trip to Wendy’s maybe your gut would appreciate it if you didn’t do that anymore.
Whether you have aspirations of learning new things, or you simply want to figure out what this new Amazon Wheel of Time series is all about, reading a book each month is good for you. It’s a healthy habit that gives you a better outlet than mindlessly scrolling social media for hours. Committing to just one book a month gives you the time you need to complete it. No need to pick something boring or work-related. Just read what you want and enjoy it.
If you do have fitness or weight loss goals, it’s important to have a way to track them so you can measure your progress. Some people do great by journaling their foods, while others need a health or fitness app so they don’t need to remember to carry anything new. Tracking your goals is critical. Healthy habits don’t start overnight and by giving yourself a task to do, you’ll find that it’s easier to follow your plan long term. Not only should you set goals, but you should reward yourself with something special when you reach certain milestones.