If you are anything like me, then you already have more projects, commitments, and plans than you could possibly complete in a lifetime. There’s so much to do and explore out there. I try to squeeze it all in so that I don’t miss anything! When it comes to goals for the new year, I feel a little reluctant, because, really, who has the time?
As a movement enthusiast and therapist, though, I know that when I prioritize health, I feel better about everything else. There are five healthy habits that energize me for all the projects and activities that I want to show up for.
These are five goals that I can get behind for the new year:
1) Move every day
It doesn’t need to be elaborate or complicated. It might be just a walk around the block. Every little bit helps. I just feel better when I move every day.
Need some inspiration? Check out this article from NPR on the movement habits of one African tribe from Tanzania
2) Breathe fully
I’ll share more on this in a future article. But, for now, try this:
Connect your sit bones with your chair or the floor.
Sit up tall, stacking your shoulders over your pelvis.
Now, take one full inhale and one full exhale.
Feel better?
I thought so!
3) Rest – This is not the same as sleep!
I don’t know about you, but when I’m especially busy I often find myself rushing from one thing to the next, without putting any open, unscheduled time in my day. I can easily fall into this habit, even though, I know I’m actually more productive when I schedule in downtime.
Some easy ways that I incorporate “resting time” into my day include: using my lunch break to read a book for a few minutes, taking a short walk at lunch, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes to daydream.
4) Sleep – This is a tough one for me.
There are so many things I want to do, but I can easily chip away at sleep by staying up just a little longer and getting up a little earlier. It’s easy to fall into this pattern if I’m not being conscious about it, even though I know I’ll have more energy for everything if I get a full night’s sleep. For me, the best way to do this is to commit to blocking out 8 hours to be lying down each night.
5) Eat food for fuel
Food can be energizing fuel if I choose the right things for my body. What foods work best for each person varies considerably, so choose what works for you.
All five of these are part of how I prioritize my health. Ready to prioritize your health in the new year?! Try incorporating any one of these into your life. And what’s even easier than any of these goals and still supports your health and well-being? Getting a massage, of course!
Get in touch if you’re ready to add massage for health and well-being to your new year’s goals!