Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.
The new year brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to develop habits that enhance your daily routine. However, we all know the sinking feeling when our we eventually end up breaking our new years resolutions. Because we didn’t have time, because we got ill, because life got in the way. If yours are still going strong, you’re doing better than nearly a quarter of America!
Rather than setting unrealistic expectations from the get-go, how about focusing on small, manageable steps to improve your health and well-being this year? How about this year being the year that you create achievable resolutions that will not only help you feel balanced and refreshed all year long, but will have a lasting effect on your health and well-being.
#1 Embrace Nature
Being out in nature provides a multitude of benefits for both your physical and mental health. People that embrace nature and feel more connected with it are typically happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature is not only good for physical health, it can generate many positive emotions, such as feeling relaxed, a sense of joy, and creativity. Make spending time immersed in the outdoors a priority this year.
Aim to get outside for at least 30 minutes per day, whether it’s taking a relaxing stroll through your neighborhood, going for a hike, or simply sitting in your backyard. Revel in the fresh air and natural scenery that being outdoors provides.
Incorporate houseplants, fresh flowers, essential oils and other natural elements into your home. Let greenery and soothing scents transport you to the outdoors.
#2 Enrich Your Diet
Your body is the engine of your life. Looking after it with the right foods and supplements is critical to your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods provides lasting energy and health benefits. Make it a point to upgrade your nutrition this year and take notice of how different meals make you feel.
Fill your diet with less processed foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Limit sweets and refined, heavily processed items. We’re not saying to remove all indulgence from your life. Better still, create a structure that creates this is achievable for your lifestyle and allows you to enjoy your guilty pleasures!
Drink plenty of water. If water isn’t your thing, herbal teas are also a great option. Proper hydration keeps your mind and body functioning optimally. Infuse your water with fruits and herbs for a flavorful, antioxidant boost.
Take note of how your body and health feel and find targeted supplements to fill any nutritional gaps. Our full spectrum CBD Oil is a great daily supplement option to support your nervous system for key areas like stress, tension and discomfort. Equally for a topical product that soothes body aches, try our Body Balm or Body Oil.
#3 Create a Better Sleep Routine
Getting high-quality sleep ensures you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Your physical and mental health feels the effects of a lack of slep. So make rest a top priority by improving your sleep habits this year.
Keep a regular sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends. This strengthens your natural circadian rhythm for optimal rest. Turn in and get up at the same time daily. Your body will thank you later.
Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted suppresses natural melatonin production, disrupting your natural sleep-wake cycle. Read a book or meditate before bed instead.
Only use your bedroom for sleep (and intimacy). Keep it cool, dark and quiet. Consider blackout curtains, a white noise machine, earplugs and an eye mask if needed. Invest in a new mattress or bedding if yours are uncomfortable. Our Body Oil is a favourite to supplement your bed time ritual with an a restorative body boost.
#4 Set Time Aside for Self-Care
Taking time to nourish your mind, body and soul leaves you feeling recharged. Make self-care an everyday non-negotiable. After all, self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
Even just 5-10 minutes of meditation provides major tension relief and centers your mind. Try guided meditations or simply sit quietly focusing on your breath and quietening the mind.
Treat yourself to therapeutic soak sessions. Add Epsom salts, essential oils or CBD for maximum benefits. Light candles, put on calming music and practice a digital detox from your phone during your bath time.
Schedule me time through massages and energy work like reiki to melt away built-up stress. Our body oil and balm are available in spa treatments. Let go and receive healing touch therapies to support your well-being.
#5 Create Structure in Your Daily Routine
Humans are creatures of habit. Having a set routine in place provides stability and consistency to your days. Introduce more structure into your day-to-day this year to provide familiarity to your mind and body subconsciously.
Wake up earlier to properly welcome each day. Create a morning ritual, whether it be exercise, meditation, a podcast or supplements like JACANA’s botanical solutions. Practice healthy eating and creating a morning routine that you will enjoy. Having a thoughtful morning routine benefits your entire day.
Take time each Sunday to map out your schedule and to-do lists for the week ahead. Outline priorities and obligations so you feel organized and in control. Schedule self-care activities too to make sure you don’t neglect them.
Dedicate sometime on weekends or in daytime to schedule your groceries shop, wash and batch cook healthy meals or snacks for the week. Having nutrient-dense options ready to enjoy saves time and energy.
Usher in your best, most balanced year yet by setting small, realistic wellness goals focused on nature, nutrition, sleep, self-care and routine structure. Instead of drastic overhauls, make minor tweaks to develop habits that optimally nourish your mind, body and spirit this year. Focus on consistency and sustainability when improving your health and well-being.