in Health
6 healthy new year’s resolutions to make and keep
What better way to start the new year than with a health reset? However, as many of us know all too well, setting the bar too high can prevent us from reaching our goals. Not only that, but it can also make us harder on ourselves in the process. Take working out as an example. It’s common for people to exercise during the first few weeks of the year and then return to their sedentary lifestyle.
If you’re wondering how to stick to a fitness plan or other health-related goals, it’s imperative to avoid the extremes. Instead, focus on setting new health goals for 2023 that are so easily achievable that you might second-guess whether they’re even worth working towards in the first place. While you’re unlikely to get instant results, going about your resolutions in this way will bring you one step closer to a healthier and happier you.
This Pacific Prime Latin America article explores 6 ways to improve your health in 2023 by offering healthy new year’s resolutions you can make and keep.
1. Sit less
While we’ll have to wait and see what fitness trends 2023 brings, something to consider before you even start exercising is: when was the last time I worked out? If it’s been a while, daily trips to the gym are probably not a realistic resolution. Decide to add more physical activity to your days for a more achievable goal. One simple way to do this is to sit less and move your body more. For example, you can:
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Park farther away from your destination
- Exercise while you watch television
Even just a few minutes of exercise is enough to reap health benefits, so don’t worry about starting small. Over time, you’ll become more physically active, start to feel better, and improve your health.
2. Sit differently
Speaking of sitting, sitting less can be difficult – as those with desk jobs are all too familiar with it. When you sit in a C shape as most people do, it puts a lot of pressure on your spine. Eventually, this can lead to pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. In an attempt to sit upright, many people end up contracting muscles in an unhealthy way, thereby causing more misalignment or stress.
Fortunately, sitting better is easier than you might think. Simply imagine that you have a tail that you cannot sit on. This will cause a slight bend at the hips and help keep your pelvis untucked and spine elongated, allowing your vertebrae to properly align. It’s also advisable to adjust your chair so your feet rest flat on the ground while your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Make healthier sweet choices
Most people want to eat healthier but find it especially hard to give up their desserts or sweet treats. The good news is that you can reduce your sugar intake while satisfying your sugar craving through clever tricks. For example, nuts and seeds are great for diluting anything sweet.
There are so many healthy alternatives to your favorite dessert or sweet snack. You can cover your favorite nuts in chocolate, make a healthier dark chocolate fondue and dip fruits, and so on. Along with lowering your added sugar intake (which can lead to health concerns like high blood pressure and cholesterol), you’ll add some healthy fiber to your diet as well.
4. Get more sleep
It’s no secret that a good night’s rest can help you look and feel much better. But sleep is more beneficial to one’s health than many realize. Adequate rest enhances your immune system and boosts emotional well-being since it allows your mind to rest and recharge. Similarly, those who lack sleep have a greater risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Therefore, do your best to get quality sleep every night by practicing good sleep habits, such as:
- Consistent sleeping schedule
- Quiet, comfortable, and dark bedroom
- Limit screen time before bed
- Relaxing bedtime routine
Further reading: Five tips for better sleep and brighter mornings
5. Learn how to manage stress
If stress still gets the better of you, now is the time to take steps to reduce stress once and for all. Learning how to manage stress is crucial to your overall health and well-being as chronic stress takes a toll. There are many useful yet simple activities and techniques that can help you when your stress levels are starting to rise. For instance, you can practice breathing exercises, listen to a guided meditation, go for a walk, or even listen to music.
6. Schedule an annual checkup
Exercising, eating better, and getting more sleep make it to the top of most new year’s resolutions lists. However, preventative health screenings are often overlooked. The start of the new year is an ideal time to schedule an annual physical, which can help you maintain your overall health. Similarly, regular checkups allow your doctor to identify minor health issues before they become bigger issues. Treatment also tends to be more effective when a disease or illness is detected in its early stages.
Further reading: How to get the most out of your next checkup
Put your health first with Pacific Prime Latin America
While standard health checkups typically aren’t overly expensive, more in-depth ones can set you back quite a bit – especially if you opt for private healthcare. It’s highly advisable to secure a health insurance plan that will cover these costs. Aside from helping you avoid hefty out-of-pocket payments, a robust health insurance plan gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your medical needs can be met anytime, anywhere.
Whether you’re looking for the best individual health insurance plan in Mexico or globally, Pacific Prime Latin America is here to help. From travel insurance to expat health insurance in Mexico and more, compare health insurance plans near me using our handy comparison tool. Our expert advisors are also available to help you find the best plan for your needs and budget.
Contact us for impartial insurance advice and a free plan comparison today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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