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Let’s face it- the past few years have been a whirlwind. In times like these it is important to take care of yourself. Although you cannot start the year from scratch, you can start making your health and well-being a priority! Here are ten good habits to follow starting now into 2023.
Meditate
Meditating is a great technique to help improve sleep, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. For those that don’t know what mindfulness is, mindfulness means bringing your attention to the present moment as opposed to worrying about the past or the future. Meditation can appear in many shapes and forms so if you’re not used to it, it can seem a bit jarring at first. Whether you want to meditate at your own pace by simply focusing on your breathing, or if you’d like something more guided, there are many options such as meditation podcasts which can be found on various platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is very important for keeping your body healthy. According to Healthline, the standard of how much water you should be drinking every day is at least two liters. Drinking the right amount of water each day can have many benefits that include weight loss, improved skin health, and improved digestion.
Read 20 pages of a book a day
Reading 10 in the morning and 10 before bed, all 20 during your lunch break, or 20 at night, is important. According to Sleep Advisor, studies show that reading is proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, help creativity, and overall boost your brain! If you are not sure what to read, there are many online book clubs you can subscribe to for free.
Try yoga
Doing yoga is great because it is a more physical form of meditation as well as exercise. Yoga is something you can easily do from your bedroom or living room.
Get fresh air
Getting fresh air is very healthy. According to Ontario Parks Blog, studies have shown a strong connection between time spent outside and the improvement of your emotional state. Easy ways to get fresh air include sitting on your porch, sitting in your backyard, or even just opening a window.
Get a house plant
Having something to be accountable for besides yourself can be effective in improving your mental state. Caring for a plant establishes a routine for yourself and it is also exciting to watch it grow over time! Here are some houseplants to try growing in your home: Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, Lavender, English Ivy, Snake Plant, and more!
Exercise
Exercising indoors is a great method to try if you want to become more active but do not have as much time to go to a gym. YouTube has exceptional videos called “Madfit” that are fun and good for beginners. A simple google search can lead to various at-home exercises.
Take a bath once a week
Taking a bath is relaxing for many. A great addition to your bath would be to add Epsom salts. Epsom salts are great for relaxing your muscles!
Call family members or friends
Calling is a great form of communication. Call your family and friends and let them know what you are up to! Different calling options include regular phone calls, facetime calls and many calling apps that can be downloaded such as Houseparty. Houseparty is an app that is like a Zoom call, but it differs because it has games that can be played with the other callers on the call!
Limit social media exposure
Using social media can be great for staying connected and receiving information. While these aspects are important, it is also best to limit your social media exposure each day to focus more on your well-being. Dedicating a specific and planned amount of time on social media will help you to spend more time focusing on your physical and mental health. Finding a strategy that works for you will ultimately go a long way.
Article submitted by Lindsey Griffin.