There’s no better time than now, the start of the new year and decade, to kick-start a healthy lifestyle that takes care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being. We compiled eight essential health resolutions you should adopt right now. From taking 10,000 steps to not sleeping next to your phone.
1. Cut down your time on social media
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Research has revealed that Instagram is the worst app for your mental health, and let’s admit it, Twitter is just as toxic. If you find yourself spending endless hours scrolling through your ex’s feed and seeing pictures of his new girlfriend, stop it. Set up timers to keep your usage in check. Instead pick up a book or listen to a podcast.
2. Don’t sleep next to your phone
A good night’s sleep is extremely important to be healthy. And if you want to ensure you have a restful night, put your phone in another room. Your phone’s blue light is affecting the production of melatonin which hampers your ability to sleep. Get an old school alarm clock and keep your phone in another room. If you need more convincing, Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja follow this rule.
3. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day
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We’re leading a super sedentary lifestyle, sitting eight hours if not more at our desks, getting Ubers to our doorsteps and taking elevators. In order to stay active, try and incorporate a minimum of 10,000 steps a day – take the steps instead of the elevator, walk around the office complex after lunch, try taking public transport instead of getting cars. Track your steps with apps like Google Fit and Pacer Pedometer.
4. Cut the booze and the butt
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Alcohol and smoking really affect your health – from respiratory ailments to liver cirrhosis, even if you do it socially. Commit to dedicating 2020 as the year when you quit.
5. Love yourself unconditionally
“Treat yourself with love and care exactly the way you would do for a loved one,” says Nutritionist and Lifestyle Educator, Karishma Chawla. “The trick is to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and optimize your strengths, and work on the weaknesses without self criticism. This will help in your growth exponentially in every way! It is time to have a self care system that can keep diseases at bay.”
6. Take care of your gut
Karishma adds, “Considering the fact that all diseases begin in your gut, 70% of your immune system lies in your gut. It is time to honor this forgotten organ and treat it with love and care.”
7. Visit the Gynecologist once a year
From birth control options, to getting routine checks on your vaginal health – visiting a gynecologist will ensure that everything is alright ‘down there’. Even if you’re not sexually active. After all, with women prone to UTIs and PCOS, it’s imperative to go in for a routine check.
8. Wear sunscreen
This isn’t a cosmetic tip; with the Ozone layer depleting, you need adequate sun protection that will protect you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent skin cancer. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
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