The month of December is a time to reflect on the year gone by. We should recall our achievements, challenges and even those special moments. Its important to question one’s self on what we have learned from those experiences. During this exercise remember to embrace the happiness the good times created and let those tough situations become opportunities to teach us something.
The next step is to sit down and jot down a list of New Year resolutions. Do not let the usual ones crowd your list, instead add some fun. The mantra here is to keep it simple yet effective. I’ve made a list of some interesting ideas that you might like to include in your lists.
Balanced diet
Healthy eating starts with a balanced and varied diet. Making sure you’re getting enough fruits and vegetables is key. A simple way of keeping track is to adopt ‘5 a day’ into your daily meals. The ‘5 A Day’ is a national campaign followed in countries including the UK and US, to encourage the consumption of at least five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Healthy Snacking
Instead of snacking your way though a bag of chips, satisfy your hunger with healthier options. In order to achieve this on a daily basis it would be best to think and plan ahead of snack time. Some healthy examples are A boiled egg, fruit, popcorn (unbuttered), walnuts and homemade hummus with carrot sticks.
Drink more water
When we don’t drink enough water we get dehydrated. When your dehydrated your more prone to irritability ,fatigue and mood changes! The IOM (Institute of Medicine) recommendation is 13 cups of water a day for men and 9 cups of water for women.
Write expressively
Lots of people have already discovered how reflective writing can help calm the mind and increase feelings of wellbeing. Writing can help us explore and clarify personal issues. So go ahead and invest in a beautiful notebook, pick up your pen and bring a little expressive writing into your daily routine.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea can be a great substitute for caffeinated tea and coffee. There are a variety of herbal teas out there. For the last 12 years I’ve incorporated this habit into my daily life and I am so glad I did. Herbal tea is not only a healthy low calorie alternative but also a great way to combat certain mild health issues. Eaten a heavy meal? Peppermint tea will make you feel much better. Want something to give you a zesty kick in the morning? Lemon and ginger tea will do the trick!
Exercise
Yes we do tend to always have this on top of the list, and most of us don’t seem to follow through! This usually does happen because we overwhelm ourselves with rigorous exercise activity straight away. Its best to start slow and work your way towards something more strenuous in time. Perhaps you start with a few stretches everyday, make it a habit to time yourself and gradually increase that as you begin to open up.
De-clutter
By clearing out spaces at home you are making way for more positive energy. Take it slow and keep small goals. For example you could make monthly goals, such as in January by clear out that box stashed under the bed and in February sort out those books piling up in your study.
Donate
This is somewhat related to the above point on de-cluttering. Start the new year with donating items such as clothes, books etc. There are many NGOs and charities that focus on donations and they also have dropping centres including Goonj and Oxfam. By donating you’re not only clearing space but also helping others in need and realising that every little helps.
Let your new year resolutions make 2018 a year towards a better you by taking care of yourself. Once you begin to see the benefits, these resolutions will blossom into life long habits.
A Healthy, Happy, Radiant and Beautiful New Year to all the Momschi readers around the world.
Written By Shruti Jaswal
Certified Health and Wellness Coach Dip. HC. (London)