6 Achievable New Year's Resolutions

Thanks to the pandemic, it was not an easy year, and most probably, our New Year Eve’s plans (nightclubs, parties) will be replaced with a lot of time on the couch in front of the television, ordering food in, and staying indoors. It is obvious that this will also affect our new year resolutions. Naturally, with such a virus on the loose, mental and physical well-being will top our new year resolutions. And instead of making a half-hearted promise to start exercising and stop smoking before the ball drops this year, let us put a bit more effort and thought into our resolutions.

This easy and achievable resolution list will jumpstart a healthier body and mind, making you feel energetic and positive to make 2021 a much better year.

1) Eat Healthier and Stay Active

Based on how active you are, consuming the right amount of calories is the key to a healthy diet. Eating and drinking more than your body’s requirement will result in weight gain, as excess energy is stored as fat. Ideally, men should consume 2,500 calories, and women 2,000 calories a day. Try to include more fiber, fewer carbohydrates, a lot of fruits and vegetables, more protein, cut down on sugar and saturated fat, and stay as active as possible. Also, drink plenty of water and eat less salt. With a lot of determination and these simple tips, you can gradually develop healthier eating habits.

2) Ease Stress

Stress is one of the biggest killers. Continuous stressful situations can affect your mental and physical health. It can also have a destructive effect on your relationships. But unfortunately, stress is the side effect of our modern lifestyles. This can be effectively managed with easy stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, etc. Also, practicing self-compassion has been shown to reduce stress. So remember to take out time every day and focus on something you adore about yourself.

3) Disinfect Your Phone Daily

Most of us check our phones more than a million times in a single day. Some of us also carry them to the restroom. All this means that your phone carries almost 10 times more bacteria and viruses than a toilet seat. This also means you have to make it a habit to wipe down your phone with good disinfectant wipes, killing most of the viruses and bacteria. Make sure not to use wipes that contain bleach to wipe your smartphones and tablets. Do not forget to regularly wash your hands with soap and water and disinfect the surfaces you often touch.

4) Book Doctor Appointments

Getting appointments with health care providers can be a daunting task. Avoid letting this fear keep you from taking care of your body. Virtual doctor visits are the smarter and safer option to avoid the need to leave your home with the current situation. Log in to the iCliniq App and schedule all your appointments for the year. Do not forget to schedule routine mammograms and colonoscopies that you are due for, including dental appointments.

5) Quit Smoking and Binge Drinking

Everybody knows that cigarette smoking is extremely harmful to your health, especially the lungs. But all tobacco products pose a serious threat. There are various therapies and support groups that can help you start your journey to ditch tobacco. Also, remember that you do not have to binge drink to have fun. This year, promise yourself to cut back on alcohol consumption. Once you quit smoking and drinking, you will notice an improvement in your sleep, mood, and immunity.

6) Reduce Your Screen Time

Spending most of your day watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the internet on your smartphone has been associated with anxiety, behavior problems, low self-esteem, poor mental health, heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, low cognitive development, and sleep disturbances. Instead of wasting your time in front of the TV, spend it developing a new skill, reading a book, or staying active. Cutting down on screen time will make you more productive.