New Year, improved you: Health hacks to kick-start the New Year
New Year’s resolutions often get a bad rap, and that’s because they’re usually too broad, too ambitious and sometimes downright unrealistic. While many resolutions revolve around getting fit or losing weight, ‘getting healthy’ means something different to everyone. It might involve improving your mental health, building stronger relationships or even prioritising better sleep.
The key to lasting success? Start with small, manageable changes that keep you motivated all year long.
With that in mind, here are my top health hacks to start your new year strong.
1. Prioritise movement if you can
You don’t need to join an expensive gym to get fit. There are so many different ways to move your body that don’t cost a cent and work around your lifestyle.
Choose activities you enjoy and that fit into your routine, like a lunchtime walk, a morning stretch, or a bike ride after work. Set realistic goals – planning a few active days a week instead of every day can make it easier to stick with. And if you’re unsure where to start, a chat with your doctor can help.
To get started, here are my top five ways to get active – no gym membership needed!
2. Eat the rainbow
Commit to adding an array of colourful veggies to every meal and try to see them as the energy creators of your day. To make your plate packed full of even more goodness add a little protein (fish, chicken, falafel or red meat) and some healthy fats too (nuts, seeds, avocado or coconut/olive oil).
Looking to eat better without the hassle? We’ve got you sorted. nib foundation partner, No Money No Time, offers a free Healthy Eating Quiz to help you discover simple ways to improve your diet and get access to free, personalised recipes and expert nutrition advice from leading dietitians at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Get started today.
For more inspiration, check out nib’s range of healthy recipes.
3. Prioritise your mental wellbeing and self-care
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is one of the best resolutions you can make, and it looks different for everyone. It could mean finding ways to manage stress, like practising mindfulness or adding a few micro-meditations to your day. Even small actions, like taking three deep breaths while waiting at a red light, can help you reset and feel calmer. For others, it might involve seeking support through psychology services, connecting with loved ones, or carving out time to recharge after a busy day.
Tip: You can easily download a meditation app to help or just practise deep breathing. When you have a few minutes, try my 3 x 8 method. All you need to do is take a deep breath in for eight seconds, hold it for eight seconds then breathe out for eight seconds. My favourite place to do this is at the traffic lights; it can take you from stressed to calm in a few moments.
Related: Mental wellbeing: how disconnecting can help you reconnect
4. Look after your skin
This New Year, why not make your skin a priority? The best way to start is by being sun safe – apply sunscreen every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy!), wear protective clothing and stay in the shade during peak UV hours. Don’t forget to schedule a skin cancer check to stay on top of your skin health.
Staying hydrated and nourishing your skin from within also helps, and for daily care, check out Dr. Cedric’s tips for a simple, effective skincare routine to reduce breakouts.
Dealing with specific concerns like eczema or rosacea? Visit nib's health and wellbeing partner, hub.health, for tailored treatments.
5. Create a consistent night-time routine
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the restorative part of our sleep cycle; it’s where all the good stuff happens and we’re not getting enough of it. To increase your chances of a good night’s sleep, ditch all screens at least an hour before bed, diffuse some lavender oil or drink a chamomile tea for a little night-time zen.
Related: 12 tips for getting a better night’s sleep
6. Don’t skip your health checks
Make this the year you prioritise your health by keeping up with regular check-ups. Booking your dental, optical and preventative health checks – including a skin check – is a simple way to catch potential issues early and stay on top of your wellbeing. It’s quick, easy, and one of the best resolutions you can make for yourself!
To help, we’ve put together a handy guide for health checks at every age:
7. Feed your soul
It’s important to do something every day that makes you happy – self-care should be the top of your New Years resolution list. This might be different for everyone, but it’s so important to do it with no guilt attached. A long walk with a friend, a spa day, a glass of wine or even booking yourself a holiday to look forward to… Whatever is it, do it with a smile.
Explore how your nib membership can help you kickstart your New Year’s health and wellbeing resolutions! From discounts on gym memberships and meal subscriptions to free health checks and wellbeing tools, we’ve got plenty of ways to support your journey. Unlock rewards and member benefits.
Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.