It's safe to say most people start the new year with a resolution. Healthier diet, go to gym every week... But most resolutions are abandoned by February, and it's because we start out with unrealistic goals. Now is the time to find a regimen that's healthy for yourself, fitted to you, and as easy as waking up in the morning.
An exercise routine is key in fitness, but one size doesn't always fit all. There are plenty of options when it comes to exercise. What comes to mind for most people is probably the gym. This isn't my ideal route, or one for people who don't enjoy working out in front of a group of people. Gyms such as Orangetheory can personalize routines for members based on goals, intensity, and the part of the body you want to improve. Getting a membership and slowly training yourself to reach a gym every week is proven effective and can motivate you to continue once results become visible!
For those who have the "runners gene", going for jogs every couple days or on the weekends can be a time to work on yourself without any interruptions. Other activities such as biking and yoga allow for its participants to not only work out, but set some time away to work mentally and personally on themselves. This doesn't have to be alone though, and places like SoulCycle, Yoga Nirvana, and Road Runner Sports have ways to keep exercise inclusive while still focusing on individuals own self success.
Balancing a healthy diet with exercise is essential to any fitness routine. Dieting doesn't need to be extreme. Adopting a plant based diet, at lease partially, can expose you to healthier eating and allow for the body to gain nutrients one might be forgetting. Unfortunately, ditching the fast foods, sodas, and sweets will have to follow, but can pursued on those cheat days! Drinking water with every meal will keep the body hydrated and eventually dismiss the cravings for the sweeter drinks. Planning out meals in advance will give you a sturdy schedule and help to avoid the constant snacking. There are also plenty of apps are available to monitor water intake and help figure out how much you need to drink daily. Overall, a diet doesn't need to be strict or forced, but slowly getting rid of fats and sugars, adding more fruits and veggies, slowly decreasing salt intake, and monitoring your carbohydrates and dairy will add up to be positive for a better lifestyle.
A self-care routine needs to be completely fitted to you as person. This includes sleep! Something that tends to be underrated, a good sleep schedule should include 8-9 hours each night in order to give the body enough rest for the following day. Healthy "cat naps" throughout the day, 30 min here or there can help rest your mind and give you little sparks of energy as needed. Sleep will also help with your mental clarity and position, which should be relaxed each morning and night. Putting the phone down about an hour before bedtime will release stress for the night and allow you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. By preparing your bed in the morning so its clean and pleasing to you at night will also set the tone for a restful evening! As for getting up in the morning, the alarm should be something you enjoy waking up to, not a dreaded beeping sound. So pick out a soothing song and set it as your wake up call!
Another way to work on yourself includes skin care! For men and women, proper care of your skin will improve attitude and appearance. When you look good, you feel good right? A series of hair masks, face masks, tanning and even massages can add that touch of relaxation to every week and give you some time to switch up the everyday schedule so it doesn't feel like you are on repeat. face masks Perhaps on the rest days from fitness, take that time to indulge in some of these peaceful practices.
Creating an exercise, diet, and self-care routine all depend on each individuals interests, bodies and personality. A great time to organize a new system to follow is when you have time to start it! The beginning of summer, the start of Christmas break... anytime where you have freedom to relax and work on yourself without the troubles of everyday is a perfect time to begin stepping up your fitness.
