Looking to be happy and healthy in 2017? Then you may be interested in these 17 easy tips to help you improve your health and well-being. Start the New Year off on the right foot by trying some or all of these ideas!
- Drink more water. Water is a healthy calorie-free and sugar-free beverage option.
- Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day. If you don’t already exercise, aim to do 10 minutes each day. If you do currently exercise, add 10 extra minutes to your routine.
- Get moving at work. Aim to stand up more often, or take a quick walk or stretch break.
- Go to bed 10 minutes earlier. By the end of the week, you’ll get an extra 70 minutes of sleep. Keep it up all year, and you’ll have slept 60 hours more. Imagine how well rested you’ll feel!
- Commit to one healthy stress-relieving activity per day. You may quickly notice an improvement in your well-being.
- Pay yourself first. Rather than waiting to see what you have left after your monthly expenses, commit to saving money first.
- Add an extra serving of fruit or vegetables per day. Each day, find a way to eat one more serving. You may have more opportunities than you realize!
- Use part of your lunch break to walk. Dedicate at least 5 minutes of your lunch break to walking. Not only will it help you be active, but it can also help you relieve stress.
- Spend more time with family and friends to relieve stress, laugh more and relax—all of which can help you increase your well-being.
- Make it a habit to appreciate all you have and the important people in your life.
- Correct your posture. Your posture can affect both your physical and mental health. Work on keeping your head up, as if you were balancing a book on your head. Avoid slouching!
- Brush and floss your teeth. Good oral hygiene can promote good general health. Get in the habit of brushing twice and flossing once per day.
- Control your portions. Limiting your portions is necessary for healthy eating and weight management.
- Reorganize your kitchen. Throw out foods that are too tempting. Place healthy foods at eye level and in front of unhealthier foods. Clear your counter of treats and junk food and replace with a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Always keep moving. Even if you’re exercising, if you spend long periods of time being inactive, it can be bad for your health.
- Take time away from your “screens” (cell phone, computer, TV, tablet, etc.) to benefit your physical and mental health.
- Stay on top of preventive care. Visit your doctor regularly for physicals, blood pressure checks and more.
For Health Advocate Members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the wellness coaching component of our Wellness Program, connect with a Wellness Coach for help to make 2017 your healthiest year yet!