5 healthy New Year’s resolutions that aren’t tied to weight loss
New Year, new me, right? We’ve all been there at some point, vowing to lose X-number of pounds in the new year. If weight loss is a goal of yours, go for it. But for most of my life, I’ve had an unhealthy obsession with the number on the scale. It took me a long time to realize that weight isn’t the only, or most important, indicator of health. You really can’t know anything about a person’s health just by the size of their body.
So as we approach 2022, I wanted to share some non-traditional goals that have nothing to do with your weight. Each of these resolutions can positively impact your overall physical and mental health.
Drink more water. I love coffee and wine as much as the next person, but it can’t be the primary liquid we consume during the day. A good place to start with increasing your water intake is to consume half of your body weight in ounces per day. If it helps, you can infuse the water with various fruits or veggies (lemon, lime, cucumber, orange) to keep the flavor interesting. Many people buy special water bottles that have markings on the outside so you know how much water you have left to drink for the day.
Get more sleep. This one will take an intentional effort to wind down and turn off the screens late at night. It may not always be feasible, but aim for 8 hours of sleep each night. Going to bed earlier will allow you to wake up refreshed and energized, and more ready for an early morning workout.
Get rid of negative self talk. Putting yourself down is not an effective motivator. In fact, it will only perpetuate body image issues and potential disordered eating. Whenever a negative thought pops in your head, swat it away, and instead replace it with affirmations like: My body is beautiful. My body sustains me. My body is worthy of love and appreciation.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. If your feed is full of perfectly curated accounts with unrealistic body expectations, it’s time to remove those negative influences. Start following accounts that represent bodies like yours, ones that uplift you and make you feel empowered to love the skin you’re in.
Add strength training to your fitness routine. If you’ve always been a cardio queen but have hit a plateau in your fitness journey, this is a great time to dip your toe into weightlifting. It can be intimidating at first, but with some proper coaching and guidance, you will start to see the many benefits of strength training, including improved mobility and heart health, elevated mood and confidence, decreased risk of injury and stronger muscles and bones. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out my next 6-week fitness challenge.
Whatever your goals are, I’m wishing you good health and happiness in the new year!
