Tired of making and breaking the same New Years vows each year? Try these nontraditional tips to help you update your resolutions. Soon, you will see the happier, healthier you in 2015.
Mix up your Workout Routine
Rather than promising to go to the gym each day this New Year, vow to increase your activity. Whether it is by wearing a pedometer to increase your daily steps, or by walking messages to colleagues in the office rather than by email, every little choice makes a difference. By increasing overall activity in your lifestyle, you won’t have to feel guilty if you skip an exercise routine every now and then.
Give Back
Most know that amazing feeling that comes after doing something good for others. Giving back can be a great way to boost your mood and overall happiness. A 2010 study found that people with positive emotions were about 20% less likely than their gloomier peers to have a heart attack or develop heart disease. Other research suggests that positive emotions can make people more resilient and resourceful. So call your mom and tell her you love her or help a grandmother cross the road today. Your health will thank you.
Get a Massage
Chronic stress from the over stimulated world in which we live is associated with many health issues including anxiety, depression, and heart disease. Unplug from your technology for an hour (which reaps added benefits in itself) while enjoying increased circulation and improved immunity in a rejuvenating massage. You will soon find yourself getting deeper, more restful sleep that will boost your memory and your overall wellbeing. Furthermore, massage is a healthy and safe alternative to over the counter pain relievers.
Travel More Often
Getting away from the stresses of your daily life and escaping to an adventure away from home is exciting. That excitement keeps you healthier, studies show. People who vacation more often are less likely to suffer a heart attack or develop heart disease. Additionally, the benefits of travel are almost immediate; after only a day or two, 89% of participants in a study saw significant reductions in stress levels. Decrease in stress will leave you more rested and productive at work when you return from vacation.
Head Back to The Kitchen
Sounds counterintuitive to losing weight, doesn’t it? But in fact, spending more time in the kitchen – cooking, not just eating – could be the key to dropping those extra pounds you may have gained during the holidays. By preparing your own food rather than getting takeout, you are in control of portions and ingredients. In addition to saving you calories and cash, cooking is also intellectually stimulating, according to author Michael Pollan.
Incorporate these updated resolutions to your list and experience an uplifting mind and body boost in 2015. Request a reservation at your nearest Retreat here.
