at the beginning of the new year. Whether it’s January 1 or August 26, the day you choose to start your health journey doesn’t impact how successful you’ll be.Start small and try your best to avoid succumbing to an all-or-nothing mentality. Lasting lifestyle changes — such as to your exercise routines, nutrition, sleep habits or stress-relief strategies — require flexibility. It’s a journey with some wins and some setbacks.
Once you’ve got the motivation to make change, the next step is figuring out what to apply it toward.If adding exercise is a goal, try starting with the workout you like the most — or hate the least! Next, find a day of the week when you have the most control over your time and the fewest obligations. Start where you are. Begin with 15 minutes once a week, and then try increasing to twice a week. Keep building gradually.
If eating better is a goal, try looking at what you already love to eat. One of the easiest ways to achieve a healthier diet is not necessarily to change what’s on your plate, but to try to balance it so that half contains fruits and veggies, a quarter is lean protein, and a quarter is. Another simple and effective tool is cutting your portions. If you don’t know where to start, try tracking your meals to get a handle on your calorie intake and to stay accountable for your choices.
For better sleep, it’s important to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every night, aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep total. Avoid screens, alcohol and caffeine before bed and keep a journal nearby to write down any to-dos or thoughts that are keeping you up.