At the time this article was being put together, the New Year was rapidly approaching. It is at this time of year that many people formulate plans for the next 12 months. Perhaps, they want 2023 to be the year when they finally get a foot on the property ladder. Or maybe, they intend to go overseas for the first time.
One thing that many people have in common as the year draws to a close, is a desire to get healthier. The excesses of the holiday lead many to make New Year’s resolutions regarding diet, weight, exercise and kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking.
Sadly, the statistics show that the majority of individuals will fail. One study showed that on average each respondent set just under 2 resolutions. And 77% kept their New Year’s resolutions for a week. After 2 years had passed, less than 20% of people had stuck to their resolutions.
Therefore, it may be concluded that the best way to make improvements to health in the New Year is to find achievable solutions, rather than well-intentioned resolutions with unattainable goals.
Solutions to create a happier and healthier 2023
Getting healthier isn’t just about diet and exercise, although they are crucial. Mental wellness is a huge part of living a productive and happy existence too. Changing certain habits, and making bold steps could see you feeling healthier and enjoying life more in 2023.
These are some solutions, or ideas, to achieve better health, physically, and emotionally.
Visit a chiropractor
About 16 million people in the US are trying to cope with chronic back pain which is affecting their lives every day. Aside from long-term problems, about 20% of adults will suffer from pain in their back each year.
Many individuals will take pain relief medication for these problems, and try to muddle through. But, if you have back pain, visiting a chiropractor could transform your health.
Chiropractic adjustments don’t just help to relieve pain, they can help you to see improved motion and flexibility. Millions of people have seen an overall improvement in their health. Dr. Frank Marghella himself became a chiropractor after having his own injuries treated through adjustments, and without the need for medication.
Consider your mental wellness
Physical pain can impact health. But, mental issues can be just as crippling even if they are often invisible. Around 20% of adults have some form of mental health concern today. Sometimes, professional help is the only option, but mental wellness can be improved through simple steps too.
Identifying what is causing you stress or anxiety is a positive step to improving mental wellness. And achievable steps can often include small changes to diet, exercise, or social activities, as you will see further down this article.
There are many mental health success stories, and achieving happiness in this area is achievable, and there are solutions out there. Just be realistic with your goals.
Set practical exercise goals
If you set unachievable targets, you will only help to cause yourself stress and anxiety. Getting involved more in exercise in 2023 will help your physical health, and can be part of the solution to improving mental wellness too.
Exercise helps to give an emotional boost, can increase confidence, and improve social lives as you meet like-minded people, and those endorphins will reduce stress.
Don’t get a gym membership. This is one of the worst New Year’s resolutions. Around 70% of individuals who buy a gym membership in January will stop using it within 4 or 5 months. Instead, focus on an activity you enjoy.
You should consider the types of exercises that suit you. Are you more comfortable doing solo activities than in groups, or do you like the social aspect of joining a class? Exercise needn’t cost anything either. Just walking regularly will help to lower the risk of ailments such as diabetes, and help to control your weight.
Seek nutritional advice
Faddy or crash diets are rarely the answer to weight loss. Healthy, balanced choices for meals and snacks will see a much longer-lasting solution to weight loss. A nutritionist can help in this regard, but seeking advice in this area isn’t just beneficial to those who wish to lose weight. It can have other positive effects too.
If you want to reach optimal health, understanding more about what you put in your body will help. Mental and physical health is affected by your nutritional choices.
One of the reasons most diets fail is that people try to restrict themselves too much, and then their resolve weakens, and then they slip. The solution is to find a diet that suits you and is nutritionally balanced and healthy.
Improve your sleep patterns
If you are suffering from insomnia then being told to improve your sleep patterns is more likely to add to your stress than relieve it. However, the suggestions above can aid in getting a more restful sleep in themselves.
Exercising can help with improved sleep patterns, as can diet. Practicing some habits before sleep can genuinely help to give you a better night’s sleep. Spend the hour before you want to go to bed relaxing, ideally without any electronic devices. Reading a book, or a soak in the tub can help with this.
A lack of sleep can cause all manner of health concerns from depression to obesity. If you can achieve a regular pattern of sleep you will improve your general health, and be far more productive.
Change your employment or career
Your current job may be affecting your health, and life is too short to continue if so. Only 15% of people polled said that they actually liked their work role. And worryingly, 90% of individuals say they turn up for work when sick. Often due to pressure from employers.
A career change is a very attainable goal for many, even if it means applying for several positions over time. Many people have left the rat race to find enjoyment in a less stressful role elsewhere, and have realized a better quality of life.
Seek further education
With the high cost of living and rising inflation, it may seem impossible to go back to college. However, there are solutions to the cost of education, and grants for adult education out there. Acquiring extra qualifications may help you to achieve your work dreams in the long run.
Completing a course you wish to attend can help improve self-esteem, give a certain amount of satisfaction, and boost confidence.
Get a check-up
Having a medical health check can bring peace of mind, and detect problems early for more effective treatment. People often cause themselves stress by worrying about non-existent health problems or imagining the worst when suffering from something minor and easily treated.
Summary
There is nothing wrong with setting New Year resolutions, but making them unattainable or denying yourself any pleasure is likely to see them fail. Diets get broken because they aren’t enjoyable, and gym memberships get dropped all too frequently.
Making smaller changes one at a time can see improvements in health and daily life. Changing diet can improve sleep, which in turn can see a boost in mental wellness. Exercise can help with weight loss, which not only helps physical health but increases confidence. If you can identify the areas in your life you wish to change, then finding a solution might not be too tricky.
