So rather than make a drastic New Year Resolution why not make a few simple lifestyle changes that could make all the difference to your long-term health and happiness.
Here are just 2 simple tips that you can do.
Eat Your Five A Day
One of the best things we can do to help our long-term health is to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This daily intake of fruit and vegetables can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer but it can also lower the likelihood of heart disease and slow down the ageing process.
So what is a portion?
• One piece of fruit, eg apple, pear or orange
• One slice of a large fruit eg melon or pineapple
• Two fruit pieces eg plums, satsumas
• One cupful of berries
• Two to three tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit.
• A tablespoon of dried fruit
• One glass (150ml) of fruit juice
• Two tablespoons of fresh, frozen or canned vegetables
• One dessert bowl of salad
Wake Up To Sleep
Try to get seven hours sleep every night. Getting the right amount of sleep every night is very important not only to your health but also it will help boost your immune system and think more clearly.
Some Sleep-promoting Tips:
• Get some fresh air. It is good to get some fresh air some time during the day especially if you spend most of your day indoors eg a short work around your office block at lunch time
• Have a routine. Resolve to go to bed and get up at the same time.
• Wind down. Always have a wind down time, no matter how late you go to bed. Wind down and use the same routine each night eg reading a book that is not over-stimulating.
• Keep your bedtime calm. Make sure your bedroom is dark, not too cold or hot, well-ventilated. Avoid having a TV or computer in your bedroom as this only activates the mind and keeps you up late.
• Reduce stimulants. Avoid taking things that will keep your awake or wake you up in the middle of the night such as alcohol and caffeine. Even eating too late is not a good idea.
• Eat some seeds. An unusual but effective sleep inducer. A handful of pumpkin seeds before going to bed will help your brain to trigger the sleep process.
• Do not lie awake. If you are having a problem sleeping get up and do something quiet and relaxing. Do not overdo it as even 5 minutes of walking around can delay your sleep for a further 15-20 minutes.
• Breathe deeply. Try practising deep abdominal breathing before turning in. It will help shift your concentration away from your thoughts to your breathing rhythm.