At the start of every Spring, we all think the same thing: “I need to work on healthier habits, this year is my year!” Now that we’re a few months into 2018, Ovatures wants to know – how are you doing with your resolutions?
Here are seven Spring resolutions that should be taken to heart if you want 2018 to be your healthiest year yet!
1- Follow a balanced diet
Nowadays, we live a very fast-paced lives. Often, we don’t take enough time to eat or properly prepare our food. Usually we think that following a healthy, balanced diet is the same as following a strict diet of eating mostly salads and tasteless meals. But there are a wide variety of healthy recipes that bring color and fun to eating. One easy visual way to help with meal planning is to divide your plate into quarters: 2/4 should be full of vegetables, 1/4 should be a lean protein like chicken or fish, and 1/4 should be whole grains. Also, don’t ever underestimate the importance of staying hydrated with water to help with portion control and fending off those mid-afternoon cravings.
2- Exercise
To complement a balanced diet, there is nothing better than exercise. Start slowly, first with long walks -45 minute sessions, twice a week- and then gradually increase the length, pace and number of sessions. It is always harder to get back to your ideal weight in the New Year, but remember that the most important step is the first one. With that we will achieve our goal. If you are already plugged into a good routine, two recommendations: 1) mix it up! Add a new class or sport that you have always wanted to try, but were too nervous to sign up for; 2) bring a friend! It is so important to have a support system in this process, and someone that will hold you accountable. Plus what better way to catch up IRL then to sweat it out with a friend?
3- Listen to music
Exercising is always more fun with music. Why not make a playlist with the latest hits? You’d be surprised what you can do at the gym when your new favorite song comes on!
4- Dedicate some time to yourself
With studying, work, friends, family and other obligations, when do we have time for ourselves?
This year, take a break, relax, read a book, go shopping or make an appointment at the spa. Take a trip or just do absolutely nothing more than lie on your sofa. You need time to rest, to disconnect and to feel good about yourself. One of the pillars for our health is self-esteem and it motivates everything we do. Find new goals and reward yourself when you reach them. And never forget to smile – it will make you, and others around you, feel better.
5- Set small goals for each month
Set a plan for things to achieve or improve. For example, “this June I am going to run my first 10K” or “I am going to bring my best time down by X seconds” or “I am going to get 8 hours of sleep each night this week.” Even though it may seem a bit risky, if you set a goal, you will start to hold yourself accountable. Following through on your commitments to yourself and others is so important and will help you achieve other goals, too. You know you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
6- Learn something new
We all have something that we would like to do, but can never find the time, money or we are too fearful to try. Are you going to have this unfulfilled dream forever? No regrets in 2018!
No. This year, sign up for those tennis or judo classes, learn to speak Spanish or Mandarin, to play the guitar or any other instrument, take cooking or dance lessons. Just sign up for something new that you have always wanted to do!
7- Travel to new places
Get to know new places, new cultures, a new people or language. While travelling, you will learn to value what you already have: your family, friends, your work and all those small daily details… There is always something new to talk about, something to share. You will experience amazing things and may even get to know yourself better, too. There are many reasons why you should travel and see the world. Once you start, it will be difficult to stop. Which country would you like to get to know first?
