Top 6 tips to being healthier in 2023 and beyond

Happy New Year

While preparing for 2023, we may be thinking about all the things we want to do and achieve this year. Maybe it’s finally getting physically fit, starting to save money to work towards financial independence, finding that dream job, or embarking on a program of healthier eating.

Although it’s great to have objectives, it’s important to ensure you are realistic about how you’re going to achieve those goals.

When it comes to setting new year’s resolutions, people often come up with ambitious goals with no real plans about exactly how they will achieve them: leaving them feeling overwhelmed and ready to give up by the end of January! Sound familiar?

The secret is to start small and realistic: breaking down complex, daunting tasks into more manageable ones. Motivation comes with momentum, so by starting small and building slowly, you’re more likely to find success.

Think about WHAT you want to achieve, WHY you want to achieve it, and HOW you’re going to do it.

Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing: you’re doing this for YOU!

 

Our top 6 tips to being healthier in 2023 and beyond

 

1. Connect with other people
   
   Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.They can:

• help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
• give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
• provide emotional support and allow you to support othersThink about:

• Talking more – whether turning to a friend at work or a family member, talking through what is going on in your life can be a great way to relieve stress and get support
• Finding time each day to be with your family – for example arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together
• Arranging a day out with friends you have not seen for a while
• Switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family
• Having lunch with a colleague
• Visiting a friend or family member who needs support or company

2. Get Moving
   
   There’s a reason why exercise is almost always the top tip when it comes to achieving better health. Our bodies simply function better when we’re not moulding a dent in that comfy couch.But going to the gym 4 times per week or getting up at 5 am to go for a run isn’t for everyone. If you know you’re not a gym junkie type, don’t force yourself – instead choosing an activity you enjoy!If your aim is to exercise for 30 minutes a day, but you’re finding that difficult – break it up into 10 minute blocks; or even start with 10 minutes on three days of the week and gradually build that up to 30 minutes daily. You don’t have to go from zero to 100 straight away: focus on moving more and sitting less.Things as simple as walking the dog twice a day, walking to the shops or even taking care of the garden can make a big difference. You won’t burn hundreds of calories, but you’ll be more active overall and that’s a great start.

 

3. Review Your Work life Balance
   
   Do you have one – and does it work for you?A new year is a great time reflect on whether you enjoy your career and if you are able to strike a work / life balance that works for you.Are you finding your job stressful? If you are not happy at work and/or are finding your current role stressful, this is the perfect time to re-evaluate how you can improve your situation.If you want to stay in your current role, coaches or counsellors can assist you in managing your stressors more effectively. Lifeworks Health Services has a team of Registered Psychologists who can help you identify strategies to manage stress and work more effectively. Our mental health and wellbeing programs are there to support individuals and teams.If you are considering new work opportunities with a work role or company that is a better fit, Lifeworks Health Services can assist in identifying the role you want and how to go after it. We can link you up with our JobWorks programme and tailor it for your needs. You’ll enhance your job seeking skills so you nail that job application and interview!Or you may be looking at ditching the 9-5 all together and starting your own business! Our coaches can help you with personalised business coaching to help you take the plunge: https://lhs.net.au/navigate-business-and-executive-coaching/

    

   

4. Healthy eating and stay hydrated
   
   Eating healthily shouldn’t be about depriving yourself or sticking to a strict diet. Healthy eating is about balance and making sure that your body is getting the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. Healthy eating habits include a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fats, proteins, and starches. Be mindful – not only of what you eat and drink, but also how you prepare it. For best results, avoid fried or processed foods, as well as foods high in added sugars and salts.And don’t forget your hydration levels! Staying hydrated has many benefits, including glowing skin, better digestion, more energy and even improved sleep quality. You’ll get a lot of hydration from fruits and veggies, but make sure you also drink water on a regular basis.

 

5. Rest is best
   
   One of the most important healthy habits you can develop in 2023 is improved sleep. Resting encompasses more than simply sleeping. If you’re in continuous overdrive and only give yourself a chance to recharge at night, your body won’t respond as well.Try to remember to take more breaks (maybe schedule them into your calendar?) and more deep breaths! A short meditation session in the morning or in the evening – can help centre and clean your mind and regulate your mood.Research shows that paying attention to the present moment can also improve your mental wellbeing. Take time to be aware of your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better and can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

 

6. Tech boundaries
   
   Over the last few years of the pandemic, we’ve all been glued to our phones and screen-fatigue is starting to get the best of us. It might seem like an innocent pastime, but blue light can seriously affect our eye health, mental health, sleep cycles, and more. Try setting boundaries around tech and screen time; take social media detox days and engage in more tech-free activities.

 

Need help getting started (and maintaining good habits?)

Lifeworks Health Services have health and wellbeing programmes available that will help to kick start you into the new year! Our programmes can include emotional wellbeing coaching, cognitive training programs, and meditation and mindfulness training- all tailored for your specific needs.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how Lifeworks Health Services can support you in your wellness journey, please don’t hesitate to call us on Ph: 1300 350 421.

Remember, your health and wellbeing should be your top priority to keeping up with all your wonderful goals and aspirations in 2023!

 

References:

1. https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/be-healthy/how-to-keep-new-years-resolutions
2. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
3. https://mydr.com.au/nutrition-weight/new-year-s-health-resolutions/
4. https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/blog/new-years-resolutions-mental-health/