Want more energy, less stress, and greater fitness? Take care of your wellbeing with these healthy resolutions, says Louise Pyne.
1. Revitalise your workout
If you are training hard but not seeing results, a fitness revamp could be in order. Switching your workout will help to keep things fresh and ensure that you’re doing the right exercise for your body. ‘Why not take a moment to reassess if your current exercise routine is right for your body’s needs?’ says Dr Dawn Richards, GP at Vitality Health. If you always do high-intensity workouts, consider introducing Pilates into your routine, or if you’re a seasoned runner, try introducing gentle yoga into your routine.
2. Revamp your diet
A healthy diet provides your body with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to optimise health and keep your immune system strong, so if it feels like you’re constantly suffering from sick days, it could be a sign that you need to rethink your diet.‘Make a food plan for the week to jump-startsome healthy eating habits. Remember, we should be eating a variety of food, especially fruit and vegetables, which will provide adequate amounts of nutrients to support your immune system,’ says Dr Richards.
3. Recharge your mental health
Good mental health is just as important as physical health. ‘With instances of anxiety and stress-related diseases on the rise, it’s vital to have down time,’ says Dr Richards. Try to include a mindfulness practice in your day, such as paying more attention to the sights and sounds around you.
4. Start a sleep routine
When we sleep we allow our body’s cells to renew and repair, which is an essential function for good health. ’There are plenty of great ways that you can practise good sleep hygiene, including going to bed and waking up at around the same time; having a warm bath before bed to unwind; ditching the electronics an hour before your bedtime; and keeping your bedroom cool – the ideal temperature is between 16 and 18°C,’ suggests Dr Richards.
5. Upgrade your fitness tech
Knowing your all-important numbers such as your heart rate and BMI are an essential part of any MOT programme. ‘Consider optimising your home workouts with a fitness tracker like an Apple Watch or Fitbit. Use your fitness tracker to monitor your heart rate, and the length or intensity of activity to get a better overall understanding of your health,’ says Dr Richards.