Most of us have given up on our new year’s resolutions by the end of January – which means around about now, we’re starting to regret our lack of resolve and are ready to implement some positive changes we’ll actually stick to and that will see us through a happier, healthier year ahead.
Our physical health has been under the spotlight over the past two years, with the ongoing pandemic highlighting the importance of taking care of ourselves a little better. But our mental wellbeing is just as important, too, and as our understanding of the mind-body connection continues to grow, in 2022, we should all be embracing a more holistic approach and taking steps to boost them both.
Whether you’re looking to increase your feelings of vitality, boost energy levels or lose weight this year, there are plenty of easy ways to get the ball rolling. Here, we take a look at five of the best things you can do for your health and wellness that you can start right now.
Stop smoking
It might sound like an obvious one, but if you’re a smoker, then stopping is one of the best possible things you can do for your health this year. Smoking has been linked to cancer, heart disease, strokes and a raft of other unsavoury health conditions we’d all no doubt rather avoid, but the good news is that these days, there are a multitude of tools and techniques available that can help you to finally kick the habit.
Velo nicotine pouches are becoming an increasingly popular choice, and are a modern and discreet solution designed to satisfy nicotine cravings whilst being completely tobacco free. Available in a range of flavours from Snusdirect, they could be the missing link you’ve been searching for between you and going completely smoke free.
Take up yoga
An ancient practice originating from India, yoga has become immensely popular in the western world over recent years, with a plethora of classes and clubs spanning all types of yoga now available in almost every city.
If you’ve yet to try it, then you might be surprised at just how much it can benefit you – both in a physical and a mental sense. Yoga postures, when practiced regularly, are designed to strengthen the body from the inside out, improving flexibility and muscle tone – but they can also help to boost mood and help you to feel calmer and more connected to yourself. Just 30 minutes a day can have a dramatic positive impact – so why not sign up to that stylish yoga studio you’ve been meaning to try?
Incorporate meditation into your mornings
In these stressful times, it’s becoming increasingly important to take care of our mental health, and taking steps to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and elevate mood is part of doing just that. By incorporating just ten minutes of meditation into your day each morning, you can enjoy a more balanced mood, a better night’s sleep and an enhanced all-round quality of life – not to mention, feel calmer in the face of life’s little challenges.
Regular exercise
When times feel tough, exercise is often the last thing on our minds, but getting your blood pumping and working up a sweat is one of the most powerful secret weapons when it comes to feeling better both mentally, and physically.
Set your alarm an hour earlier to make time for it in your day, and for best results, find something you actually enjoy doing. Not only are you more likely to stick to it over the long-term, but you might even find yourself looking forward to the release. From kickboxing to Zumba, running to dancing, there’s something to suit all tastes. If you’re eager to really get out of your comfort zone and try something unusual, then why not consider aerial yoga or circus skills?
A cleaner diet
Processed foods have long been linked to a raft of different health conditions, yet many of us still rely on snacks and shop-bought sauces and meals to get us through a busy week. Cooking from scratch, however, will ensure that you are minimising the number of processed ingredients in your meals, and adding an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced whole foods is a great way to slowly but surely eliminate the bad stuff. Think lean protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and lots of wholegrains, nuts and seeds.
If you haven’t got the time to spend food prepping in the kitchen, then consider hiring a personal chef to do the hard work for you. In doing so, you’ll ensure that you and your family are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet throughout the week, and you can even have them tailor it to ensure it includes the optimal nutritional profile.
