7 Ways To Start This Year Healthy And Happy

New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to, so rather than go through another year with unfulfilled resolutions, we’ve listed our tips to help you start 2018 in the most positive way possible!

These tips are tangible steps that you can take to reach your goals and become a happier, healthier, and more active version of yourself!

Let’s make this our healthiest year yet!

1. Allocate time for you

It’s important to spend time on yourself. Holidays can be busy times, and as much as we have every intention to read that new book, or try that yoga class, we can be swept up doing other things. But spending time doing what you love can have a major impact on your mental health. Get a massage, or spend some time by yourself doing something you love. This allows us to slow down for a minute and relax, which in turn gives us headspace and clearer thinking.

2. Write down your goals

If you want to make positive changes in the next few months, write down your goals. In one study done by the Dominican University in California, participants how wrote down their goals and dreams were 42% more likely to achieve them. Writing down your goals allows your brain to open up more pathways and to “see” opportunities a lot more than just thinking about them does.

3. Exercise for fun

You probably won’t go for a run if you hate running. So don’t even think about planning a run. Try going to a yoga class or playing tennis with a friend if that’s more your style.
To increase motivation, workout with a friend. This will make you accountable, and will increase your enjoyment! If you're surrounded by people with active lifestyles and healthy habits, there is a high chance you will pick up these positive behaviours.

4. De-stress / practice mindfulness

It’s important to look after your mental health just as much as it is to look after your body. Setting aside time to breathe and/or meditate will allow you to feel rested and relaxed, and this is when our nervous system sends signals to the body which allow it to balance our hormones, and soothe our muscles and digestive system, which allows them to heal and reduces our risk of disease.

Mental distractions can make it very difficult to maintain perspective and concentrate on our goals. If we're distracted or stressed, we have trouble making good decisions and solving problems.

Mindfulness meditation training is about staying in the present moment, and it helps us to stay focused, calm our stress levels, and perform at our best. It's very easy to do, and won't take much time out of your day. We suggest trying an app like Headspace, Smiling Mind, or Calm to help you start.

5. Think happy thoughts

Studies have shown that when you’re in a bad mood, you’re more inclined to eat unhealthy foods. What you choose to eat or drink can in turn encourage bad moods and depression. Similarly, there are foods that encourage happiness. It’s also known that your mood can affect your overall wellness and health.

In one study, it was found that positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind up to more options and allow you to build new skill sets.
So try writing down the things you are grateful for next to where you write down your goals, and notice how your whole outlook changes.

6. Go to sleep!

Getting a good night sleep is essential and very underrated when it comes to your health. Eight hours of sleep per night will allow your body to recover, heal, and regenerate new cells.

7. Get the right nutrition

If your body has been using more energy, you need to make sure you’re feeding yourself with the nutrients you need to recover properly. To restore your energy levels, and to help your body recover, try getting some protein in your diet. A protein boost will help your vitality, energy levels, and immunity.
To boost your overall health, try having Bare Greens in the mornings with water and a squeeze of lemon. The alkalising blend will start your day off with an energy boost and will revitalise and restore your body.