Last year in the health community, it was all about chia seed and goji berry superfood bowls, farm-to-table, wearable fitness, and being mindful with your eating. People were paying a hand and foot for all the new cleansing plans and fads. It was all about feeling “energized.”
What I think should be achieved this year is not so much about minor food changes, but about feeling happy and healthy overall. It’s about taking care of your body the way that it deserves, and being confident in every ounce of yourself. Maybe you don’t even have any health goals for the new year, and that’s OK too! Maybe you’re content with your life and your habits right now. And that’s what it’s all about. If you are happy with your life and your habits, be happy! Don’t spend time analyzing every corner of your diet and exercise routine, trying to tweak every little thing that isn’t “perfect.”
To be honest, there isn’t one perfect diet and exercise plan. Here are some health goals that I found are important to focus on, this time around.
Overall health.
This is one thing I really like to stress. How is your overall health? Is your weight affecting your life? If so, then maybe it’s time to make a change. Being overweight can cause you to have a higher blood pressure, and also increases the chances of developing other problems linked to strokes --including high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and heart disease.
How are your vitamin levels looking? Are you getting enough iron, vitamin B, C, A, D? If you aren’t getting these vitamins you’re missing out on the incredible benefits your body can achieve from them. Make sure you’re getting the vitamins you need so you can feel as great as your body was made to feel. Here is a list of all the vitamins you need daily. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/nutrients/vitamins-and-minerals-how-to-get-what-you-need.html
How do you feel?
If you wake up feeling groggy, tired, with a headache, bloated -- it’s time to make a change. It’s time to reflect on your lifestyle and your habits. What are you doing that’s making you feel this way? There’s so much to think about when it comes to taking care of your body. If you know you could be feeling much better, that’s when you know it’s time to make a change in something, whatever that may be.
Sleep.
Get enough sleep this new year! Sleep does your body wonders. It doesn’t have to be the recommended eight hours, but get whatever makes you feel ready to take on the day and feel happy. I know that when I don’t get enough sleep I get a headache, and get hazy and unfocused. It’s very hard to be productive and capable of all of the things you want to achieve when you’re sleep deprived.
Happiness!
Mental health is a big one this year. I’ve learned in my short 19 years that it doesn’t really matter what you do, or how you do it, the only thing that matters is that you are happy within. I used to have the “ideal diet.” No starches, no refined sugar, no snacks past 7 p.m, green tea and green smoothies (celery and kale). I had the body I wanted to have, and I was at my goal weight (which actually was an unhealthy weight). I thought that being at this weight and having the ideal diet would make me happy. But, it actually ended up making me the opposite of happy. I used to not go out because I was scared of the temptations of food and drinks. I became a hermit, and I closed off all of my relationships because of the temptations. Often, nights, I was left hungry and lonely, and I felt very empty inside.
Even though I had what I wanted, I wasn’t even close to happy. And going through this and now being back to a healthy weight has made me realize it’s not worth it to sacrifice the things you love and enjoy to be “perfect.” The happiest i’ve ever been is when I have a good relationship with friends and family, and a good relationship with myself. I’ve found a balance, and I want you to find that balance too. (Click here to discover how to find your balance.)
Self confidence.
Love who you are, and if you don’t, figure out a way to do it. Loving yourself leads to a much better life. You’ll start nailing more interviews, stepping up your game at work, getting better grades, and feeling more confident overall! Discover your good qualities and use them to your advantage. Work on making a better version of yourself every day, never stop changing, and never stop growing. Loving yourself isn’t an easy process, but when you find that you love who you are, you can conquer the world.
Balance and revive your relationships.
Decide what relationships in your life are benefitting you and make sure that everyone in your relationships are on the same page as you and that you’re both happy and enjoying this connection.
These should be your real health goals this year. Not buying 100 percent organic or doing extreme-mega cleanses. Love yourself, love others, and live the life you want.
