The holidays are over and the new year is here. You are looking back on the past year and probably already have some good resolutions in mind.
New Year Resolutions
For 2024, 44% of Dutch people have New Year resolutions. Unfortunately, only about 10% still stick to them after 2 months. A good start is the beginning, but perseverance is the key to success!
Here are 5 important tips to support your health. Incorporate these tips into your resolutions and establish a routine. 2024 will be your year!
1. Hydration and Detox:
- Drinking: Increase your water intake to stay hydrated. During the holidays, you will have drunk more alcohol and eaten salty/unhealthy meals. Make sure your body can recover by providing it with enough fluids.
- Detox: Hydrating drinks can help your body recover and rid itself of harmful substances such as toxins. Detox your body by drinking beverages such as lemon water, ginger tea, green tea, or herbal tea.
2. The Right Nutrition:
- Healthy Nutrition: Focus on balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Avoid sugars and ready-made meals.
- Limit your meals: It is very important to give your body more rest. Ensure as little 'stress' as possible in the area of nutrition. You can do this by limiting your meals to a maximum of 3 meals per day. Make sure you do not eat snacks between these meals, but instead only drink detox drinks. This will result in fewer sugar spikes in your body and therefore also lower stress levels in your body.
3. Exercise and Breathing Exercises:
- Light Exercise: Start with light physical activity such as walking or yoga to increase your energy level without overtaxing your body. Once this is going well, increase your exercises with strength training. Make sure you build up your training program gradually, so you get into a routine with your resolutions.
- Deep Breathing: Perform deep breathing exercises for a few minutes every day to reduce stress and improve oxygen supply.
4. Mental Health:
- Relaxation Techniques: Implement relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness to support your mental health. For example, start every day with this meditation or mindfulness and set aside 10 minutes. Routine ensures that you will keep your resolutions and that it will become a habit.
- Digital Detox: Consider a short digital detox to break free from screens and social media, which can contribute to stress reduction.
5. Cold Therapy and Sleep Improvement:
- Cold Therapy: Consider cold therapy, such as a short cold shower or an ice bath, to reduce inflammation and stimulate blood circulation. You can start by ending your shower with 1 minute under the cold shower at the end of your shower time.
- Sleep Quality: Ensure a good night's sleep. Go to bed at fixed times and get up at fixed times. Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep per night.
Write down your goals for 2024, work out your motivation, implement the points above, and establish a routine! This will ensure that you belong to that 10% that will stick to their resolutions.
To a healthy and happy 2024!
Love,
Jacqueline Steenbeek
Midwife, Hormone Therapist, sonographer, founder of MomPwdr and mother of 3 beautiful children.
