This New Year, make a commitment to yourself for better health and happier living. It doesn’t have to be intimidating: all it takes is making small changes and forming healthier habits, one day at a time. Here are four manageable, effective lifestyle changes you can make this year to take the first steps toward a healthier you.
Drink More Water
It may seem like a no-brainer, but lots of people don’t get enough water throughout the day. While the old “8 glasses of water per day” rule is probably overkill for most people, it’s still easy to lose track of your hydration. The effects of mild dehydration generally aren’t life-threatening, but they can definitely make life more unpleasant. If you suffer from dry skin, frequent headaches, feeling tired all the time, and even dizziness, it might be because of inadequate water intake. It’s also common to mistake thirst for hunger, and so we snack on food we don’t need instead of staying hydrated. This can lead to weight gain in addition to dehydration! Carry a water bottle around with you and aim to drink and refill it at least twice per day. But most importantly: listen to your body, and drink if you’re thirsty.
Do Some Exercise
Staying active and getting exercise doesn’t have to be a chore, and it doesn’t have to be painful. The US Dept. of Health and Human Services guidelines for physical activity are that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That’s only 21 minutes a day! A brisk walk around the neighborhood could meet your daily exercise quota, and with a pair of supportive walking shoes to help you along, it’ll be the highlight of your day.
Get More Sleep
More and more research is being done that shows the importance of getting enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep is linked to weight gain, lower productivity and energy, mood swings, inflammation, weakened immune system and even depression. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and sometimes one of the most difficult. You might be used to getting less sleep than you really need, or have trouble falling or staying asleep. If you’re not getting at least 7 and preferably 8 hours of sleep every night, you’re not getting enough. Being active and getting sunlight exposure during the day will help, as well as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Take Care of Your Feet
Maintaining your mobility is one of the most important ways you can help yourself stay active and keep up a high quality of life. And that means taking care of your feet! If you have a medical condition that affects your feet or legs in some way, it becomes much harder to walk around and get adequate exercise. A well-fitted pair of comfortable and supportive shoes is an important part of maintaining your foot health. Try a pair of Z-CoiLs for 30 days risk-free and see why they’re the best shoes for foot pain.