Setting Healthy Resolutions for 2017

New Year’s resolutions can be traced back to ancient Babylonia. It’s said they are the first people to make resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. New Years Resolutions have changed drastically since, but it’s still about the commitment to do something good in the coming months. Although there are no written rules to govern resolutions, many people resolve to do something healthy.

According to several statistics, losing weight, eating better, and quitting smoking are the top resolutions. Collectively it’s obvious that many people want to change some bad habits and opt for healthier lifestyle choices. Did you achieve your resolutions during 2016? Don’t beat yourself up if you didn’t, only 8% of people actually do achieve them. But, how can we be different and maintain a healthy exercise program? Is there a system? Is there a secret? Here are a few resolution ideas that are attainable for those keen on making 2017 as healthy as possible.

Be Specific with Weight Loss Goals. It’s no surprise after weeks of festive foods, we want to take it off and get into shape quickly. What does getting in shape mean to you? Do you have a certain amount of weight you want to lose? Or inches? Or bodyfat? Do you want to get to the gym 2 or 3 times a week? Make your very goals specific so they include something that is applicable, achievable, quantifiable, and attained within a time period.

Bike or Walk. Depending on how close your home is to your office, consider riding a bike or walking instead of driving. Riding a bike or walking is a great cardio exercise, which is an important part of any successful exercise regimen. They strengthen your heart, tone muscles, give you energy, and even prevents dementia. Consider also that biking and walking are good for the environment. It’s estimated that roughly half of us live within five miles of our workplace, so it’s a perfect opportunity to get fit and help our beloved Earth. You save money, use less fuel, create fewer toxins and emissions, and the air is cleaner.

Work Less. Work is good for the mind and body, but too much work can lead to elevated levels of stress. Stress can produce a host of negative consequences, including an increased risk of depression, obesity, and heart disease. Long hours at the office is one of the leading causes of work-related stress, and many professionals find themselves taking on more than they can reasonably handle. Make an effort to scale back your responsibilities and spend less time at the office and more time with loved ones.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption. Drinking less alcohol is another healthy resolution for a new year. Overdrinking can have such a negative impact on the human body. It’s noted that overconsumption of alcohol can affect the heart – increasing the risk of heart disease, arrhythmia, stroke, and high blood pressure. It can also weaken your immune system which in turn makes you more susceptible to diseases. Reducing consumption can have a considerable impact on your overall health.

Setting and achieving your healthy New Year’s resolutions isn’t about willpower. It’s about developing a healthy lifestyle with healthy habits and being kind and patient with yourself as you move through this process.