With February 2020 coming in, it’s highly likely that many of us haven’t been keeping up with our New Year’s resolutions that we used to be enthusiastic about. The motivation tends to only be strong during the first few days of the year, and afterwards, we slowly go back to our old habits and routines;, with commitments and resolutions forgotten.
But we still have more than 300 days left before the year ends, so if we get back on track now, imagine how much we’ll achieve by December? Let’s drop those excuses, get back on our feet, and summon back our willpower and motivation. If you’re feeling a bit blue, chances are it’s got something to do with your habits and mindset.
Skim through this list of healthy commitments to make in 2020 and you might just realize that these are what you need all along.
1. Eat Healthy
We can’t stress this enough — you’ve probably promised yourself every year that you’re going to start eating healthy, only to return to junk foods again because your stressed-out mind craves it. Now that you’ve been reminded again, it’s time to re-evaluate your current diet and make necessary changes.
The iced coffee you buy every day not only adds calories and sugar to your body but puts a dent on your savings as well. Fruit juices and low-fat yogurt aren’t helping you as well, because they also contain sugar that messes with your weight-loss plans. That said, get to know which “diet foods” don’t actually work. Be sure to consume less or none of them at all.
But if you’re not particularly trying to lose weight, you may want to consider a low-gluten or gluten-free diet. Even people without celiac disease and gluten intolerance are starting to shift to this diet, but note that you may need to sacrifice several foods including whole wheat. On the brighter side, there are actually plenty of tasty gluten-free desserts such as gourmet cookies. But if you decide to adopt this diet, consult a doctor first.
2. Exercise
The benefits of exercise aren’t new to all of us, yet we still skip it most of the time. There are four most important types of exercise, namely aerobics, strength training, stretching, and balance exercises. Depending on your goals, you’d need to commit to a specific type — for example, aerobics for losing weight, or strength straining to build up muscle and bone mass.
In any case, make sure to get enough exercise every day, even by just walking or jogging. Our bodies will return the favor.
3. Surround Yourself With Positive People
Make time for your friends and family that make you happy and are supportive. Stay away from people who make you feel inadequate and judge you. If you need counseling and therapy, go for it and join a support group. You can also try adopting a pet if you don’t have one yet! Pets offer unconditional love and companionship, so they’re highly nourishing to the soul.
4. Get Close to Nature
There are many ways to get close to nature, including sunbathing, gardening, playing sports, hiking, tai chi, walking, and watching wildlife. Keeping a houseplant is also included. Immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature relaxes our bodies and minds, making it an effective way to unwind and combat stress.
5. Read Books or Watch Inspirational Movies
If it’s been a while since you last opened a book, this year’s the perfect time to do it again. Choose any genre you like — even fiction novels can motivate anyone who is coping with life’s struggles. The same can be said about watching inspirational movies. Reading and watching also help you relax and fall asleep faster.
On top of all these nourishing habits and activities, be committed to loving yourself. With self-love, we can be more motivated and inspired, and we’ll have an awesome year ahead despite the new challenges that will arise.
