Life

11 Wellness Resolutions You Can Make To Start 2018 On A Healthy Note

by Katie Mitchell

Many people use the New Year as a chance to reset some of their habits. If you’re still searching for some attainable New Year’s resolutions, consider revamping your wellness routine in 2018. Your body is one of the few things you’ll have your entire life, so it make sense to take care of it. Not all wellness New Year’s resolutions have to be difficult to follow. In fact, some of the easiest ones are the ones with the biggest long-term impact. It almost feels too simple — not to mention necessary — to set some wellness goals for yourself for 2018.

According to a Gallup poll, Americans' wellness began to decline 2017, reversing a three-year upward trend, and in a separate survey by wellness tech company Shine, the words women used most to describe 2017 were "tired" and "sad." (Hello, can relate.) Most women surveyed reported that they were prioritizing emotional health and self-care in the new year, and 65 percent of survey participants said they want to "live a healthier lifestyle." Blessedly, this type of resolution is well within reach. Ahead, find wellness-related new year's resolutions suggestions that can become a part of your daily routine in the new year.

1

Get A Complete Picture Of Your Physical Health

Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When was the last time you went to the doctor for something other than a UTI 'script? You need to see your doctor (as well as your OB/GYN, dentist, and eye doctor) every year to make sure everything's running smoothly. Schedule your annual exam in January, or set a reminder a month in advance to set yours up if you're due later in the year.

2

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Thankfully, there is less of a stigma around mental health disorders than in the past. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so start off the new year by checking in with a mental health professional and discussing any concerns you may have. Check out this directory if you don’t know where to look for a therapist.

3

Get More Sleep — And Sleep Better

Getting more quality sleep can result in better health outcomes by reducing anxiety and chronic pain. Prioritize good sleep hygiene: Try creating a sleep schedule in 2018, and stick to it as much as you can. You can even create a ritual around it if you need to, to make sleeping well a part of your self-care routine.

4

Embrace Mindfulness

Being mindful means intentionally living in the moment — being aware of the sensations you're experiencing, the environment around you, and everything else you come in contact with. So move more throughout the day, listen without thinking about what you want to say next, and visualize positive outcomes in your daily life.

5

Drink More Water

Stay hydrated in 2018. Drinking water benefits every part of your body, and it doesn’t take that much planning. Just bring a refillable bottle with you to work or school and sip throughout the day. You’ll be amazed by how your body responds when you increase your water intake.

6

Spend More Time Outdoors

Being in nature can do wonders for your overall health. A walk in a forest can boost your immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep, according to New York's Department of Environmental Conservation. But if you don’t live near a forest, parks and other urban green spaces can also improve your health, so take a walk outside and soak up all the benefits.

7

Try A New Sport

Many cities have sports clubs for adults. Although they can get competitive, they’re open to all skill levels. Trying a new sport is a great way to keep active and make new friends at the same time.

8

Spend More Time With Family And Friends

Being around people you like is a great way to improve your mental health. And you'll create lasting memories during all the extra time you spend together.

9

Focus On Self-Care

According to Shine, millennial women are prioritizing self-care in the new year. Join them by carving out time to take care of yourself, whether that's setting an intention, tidying up, or doing an elaborate skin care routine. It's up to you what makes you feel good.

10

Cook More Homemade Meals

When you cook your own food, you know exactly what is going into each meal. This will allow you to cut down on unwanted or unnecessary ingredients, and be more mindful about what's going into your body. (And it's cheaper, too.)

11

Grow Your Own Food

Gardening can be a workout, and it yields healthy, delicious food. If you don't have space for a full garden, you can plant some fresh herbs and put them on your windowsill and use them to season your food. Heck, just try your hand at taking care of a non-edible plant at home — plants can boost your mood, purify your air, and other health benefits.

If health and wellness are on your mind for the new year, consider making a few small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact. You only get one body, so it's not a bad idea to prioritize taking care of it in 2018.