Did you know the top three most popular New Year’s resolutions are health-related? Start 2023 off with a bang by adding a few health goals to your vision board. 

Knowing what goals to start with can be tricky, though. Start simple and work your way up to bigger goals. Here are a few great starting points: exercise regularly, minimize screen time, prepare healthy meals, get enough rest and spend a little extra time on yourself. 

Exercise regularly

Setting 150 minutes aside a week to exercise can make a big difference for your health. You can break 150 minutes down to 30, five days a week, leaving you with two rest days. Exercising regularly yields multiple benefits:

• Decrease your risk of injury. 
• Decrease effects of stress.
• Strengthen your body and mind connection.

Exercising comes in many forms. It is best to find an activity that is accessible and fun for you. Here are some unique ways to get your 150 minutes of exercise in:

• Kickboxing.
• Rock climbing.
• Hiking.
• Spin.
• Aerobics. 

Most of these can be done for free or by finding a local studio that offers different types of classes. 

Minimize screen time

It seems our world revolves around the use of screens these days, but did you know that, according to http://PubMed.gov, too much screen time can cause “poor sleep and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, poor stress regulation (high sympathetic arousal and cortisol dysregulation), and Insulin Resistance”? 

How do you limit your screen time when their use is so intrinsically tied to work and entertainment? Here are a few tips to help you reach your goal of limiting your screen time:

• Take a break from the screen every 30 minutes.
• Stand up when looking at a screen.
• Don’t eat during screen time.
• Don’t bring screens into your bedroom.
• Focus on your posture while using a screen.

By keeping these tips in mind throughout 2023, you may be able to decrease your screen time and increase your health. 

Eat healthy meals

Stay healthy in 2023 by cooking nutritious meals for you and your family. This goal can double as practicing a new hobby. Use your creative side when cooking new meals this year. You can get some awesome ideas from websites like Delish. They have recipes from grain bowls to appetizers to vegetarian pasta. 

Cooking healthy meals isn’t just about starting a fun new hobby. According to the CDC, it also contributes to your health in several ways:

• Boosting your immunity. 
• Supporting muscle growth.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Lowering your risk of heart disease. 
• Lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Maintain a healthy balance between fruits, grains, vegetables and protein when preparing healthy meals this year.

Sleep eight hours every night

Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can help you get a headstart in the morning. You may wake up feeling more energized and ready to take on the day. The benefits of giving your body rest are endless. Here are just a few of the top health benefits:

• Less likely to get sick.
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Mood regulation. 

To get enough sleep every night, create a set schedule and listen to your biological clock. 

Practice self care

Who doesn’t like taking some time to pamper themselves? Studies from Southern New Hampshire University have shown that having self-care routines can reduce anxiety, depression and stress. The studies also showed that self-care routines can improve your mood and energy. 

In 2023, take some time to achieve your health goals through exercise, minimizing screen time, eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and forming a self-care routine. You may see changes in your energy levels, immune system, mood, muscles and stress levels.

Lindsey Certonio is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Provo.

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