Skip the resolutions – here are 10 ways you can be healthier, happier, and a better you in 2019 (and beyond)

With each new year, many of us recommit to being much healthier over the next 365 days. In fact, about one in three Americans set some sort of New Year’s resolutions every year, many of which revolve around their health, fitness, and happiness.

However, it seems that we’re a lot better at setting these goals every January 1st than actually sticking to them. Research shows that only 75% of people (three out of every four) keep up with their goals and resolutions for at least one week, and 46% (less than half) are on track after six months.

This year, I say we skip the guilt-inspiring resolutions and commit to 365 days of better habits and practices to maintain good health. Looking, feeling, and living great shouldn’t be a sprint at the beginning of every year, but a daily marathon at our own pace!

Here are 10 ways you can be healthier, happier, and a better you in 2019 and beyond:

Turn off the phones/tech
Our love for new mobile technology like smartphones has become an outright addiction and now, an epidemic. In fact, the average person checks their phone at least 100 times a day, and younger social media-dependent demographics (ehem, Millennials) are suffering some serious consequences from social isolation to online bullying, sleep disruption to text neck. But it’s not just younger people who are glued to their devices, as many of us go from work computer to smartphone to television, and then do it all over again. Let’s make sure we implement some healthy habits (for our kids and ourselves) when it comes to phone and tech, so that you’re using IT, not the other way around!

Quit smoking
Are you still smoking cigarettes? Of course, a lot of smokers want to quit, but they have a hard time doing so. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that only 4-7% of smokers are able to quit with their first attempt, and it may take a support network and anti-smoking medication just to lift those odds to 25%. Come talk to me if you’re a smoker and want to quit the habit, as I may be able to help!

Eat healthier
They say you can’t outwork your diet, but many of us will try to do just that every year! This year, let’s be smart, realistic, and unemotional about our plan to eat healthier. Remember the saying “Garbage in = garbage out,” and make a conscious effort to eat well, but healthier. Additionally, instead of trying to deprive yourself of everything all at once, make small changes to your diet and meal prep that will add up to huge results if you keep at them consistently.

Reduce your stress level
I honestly believe that stress contributes to more health problems and serious issues than any one single item on this list. In fact, acute or chronic stress can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, insomnia, and a whole lot of other health problems. Of course, we can try to eliminate the stressors in our lives, but short of sending our kids away to live with relatives, quitting our jobs, and moving to a tropical desert island, we’ll always have to face pressure and tension in our lives. Instead, focus on how you can manage and minimize stress this year, with techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, therapy, exercise, hang out with people that make you gut laugh, or just take time out to get away from it all in your happy place.

Lose weight
Of course, most of us make it a priority to lose weight starting every January 1, as it’s one of the top three New Year’s resolutions in just about every survey (and goes hand-in-hand with our resolutions to get in better shape. In fact, according to a 2015 Nielsen survey, losing weight and getting in better shape was the #1 resolution across the board! But, aside from wanting to look great, shedding a few extra pounds will actually make us feel better, have far more energy, be more active, and keep us around for much longer.

Exercise more
Although more and more research proves that your fitness level (and how you look) has a lot more to do with the kitchen – not the gym, many of us are still setting a goal to get buff, shredded, and so lean that we transform into something resembling the fitness models we’re following on Instagram. However, remember that it’s not just the number of times you hit the gym that matters, but the intensity and science behind it, so take a class, pick up your favorite sport again, or get a workout partner to push you and keep you accountable.

Get more (and better) sleep
Studies show that we’re seriously sleep-deprived as a nation, thanks in large part to our busy scheduled and go-go-go lifestyles. But the quality of our sleep is at an all-time low because of all of the smartphones, computers, TVs, and other electronic screens we end up staring at for countless hours every day. Over the next months, try dedicated yourself to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per day, but, more importantly, integrate techniques and healthy habits for improving the quality of your shut-eye. (Come talk to me if you want some help and recommendations on how to sleep better.)

Reboot
Slow down. Chill. Breathe deeply. Then, I recommend doing it all over again! We all want to achieve great things, accomplish super goals, and extend Herculean energy as we knock out our To Do lists and rise above mediocrity, but trust me when I tell you that you’ll never be able to do that if you become exhausted – physically and mentally – and burn out long before you reach your goals. This year, go hard but then rest hard, too, giving yourself real breaks to recharge your batteries and practice self-care – including mental health and wellness.

Hang out with good/old friends
Research shows that spending time with friends, coworkers, and loved ones isn’t just beneficial for reducing stress and improving your mental outlook, but this socialization is absolutely imperative for longevity and quality of life. In fact, a 2010 study found that a lack of social connections and time around friends and others can negatively impact your health as much as smoking, abusing alcohol, being overweight, or not working out enough.

Happier = healthier
Did you know that our #1 New Year’s resolution is not just to lose weight, make more money, or improve our relationships, but to live life to the fullest? It’s true, as a 2016 nationwide study found that most people had some form of YOLO at the top of their list of goals and resolutions for the new year. Be in the moment, fill your life with the people and things that make you happiest, get out of your comfort zone and be active, and invest in your wellbeing with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, and you’ll make 2019 the happiest – and healthiest – year of your life!

Last (but certainly not least) on this list is to come in to visit your favorite Sacramento chiropractor, Dr. Chip Studley for regular adjustments and treatment. I’d love to see you in the new year and be part of the new healthier you!

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