by Erica Garza

The New Year is a popular time to make resolutions, whether that means quitting a bad habit or picking up a good one. But how can you be sure that once February or March rolls around you’ll still be committed to your new healthy way of living? Designed with renewal and recovery in mind, the following health and wellness tips may help you incorporate constructive strategies into your life for overall well-being throughout the year. From staying active to supporting restful nights, here’s how to take lasting action in the New Year.

Get Moving

The New Year may inspire you to commit to a new fitness routine, but be careful not to put too much pressure on yourself with unrealistic expectations. Lasting changes start with small, attainable goals. While trying a new exercise class is a great idea, try to resist putting yourself in a situation where you’ll beat yourself up if you don’t end up attending as many as you envisioned. When it comes to staying active, no matter what your age, enjoying yourself is crucial. If you find yourself dreading the treadmill, maybe try a walk outside with a partner. If you dislike yoga, try Pilates. If a gym membership or exercise class isn’t in the budget, find ways to stay active outside or at home. And if the idea of exercise still makes you resistant, try committing simply to “moving” whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or join a dance class. And once you find the activities you like, supporting comfort and mobility may be part of keeping you on track. Check out Papa & Barkley’s Hemp Balm as a plant-based option to add to your routine, or explore tips about supporting your workout recovery.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

It can be difficult to stick to new routines if you haven’t gotten enough rest. Aim for 8.5 hours of sleep a night (or more), which may be achieved by practicing good sleep hygiene. According to the National Sleep Foundation, good sleep hygiene practices include avoiding caffeine before bedtime, limiting naps to 30 minutes, sleeping in a cool room, and incorporating as little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise into your day. Some people include plant-based products like Papa & Barkley’s CBD Capsules or CBD Drops in their wellness routine to complement their evening rituals, though more research is needed to understand the full impact of these products as part of a sleep routine.

Eat Whole Foods

Adopting a more nourishing diet may be easier if you focus on including more whole foods. Instead of banishing carbs or sweets or counting your calories, consider how you might incorporate healthier versions of the foods you enjoy into your meals. Aim for fresh, minimally processed options, which typically offer more nutrients than heavily processed alternatives. These foods are often found around the perimeter of the store.

Banish Clutter

While Marie Kondo might not be trending on Netflix anymore, clearing clutter remains a helpful strategy for a fresh start. If done well at the beginning of the year, the positive effects can last even on the laziest days. If you’re not inspired to follow Kondo’s methods of decluttering, you can still take small steps to tidy your space. Ensure there’s a dedicated place for items you use most often—and consider regularly removing things you no longer need. A popular tip: for every new item you bring in, let go of something you no longer use.

Connect More

Studies show that almost half of us feel lonely and isolated, even in a technologically connected world. Some believe that too much time in front of screens may actually hinder deeper connections. Try tracking your screen time to see if you could benefit from a little more offline interaction, or explore the idea of a digital detox. Seek out ways to connect—attend a group event, take a new class, or call a friend to meet up in person, rather than just chatting online.

Erica Garza is an author and essayist. Her work has appeared in TIME, Health, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, The Telegraph and VICE. She lives in Los Angeles.

References:

• https://qz.com/1301123/why-eight-hours-a-night-isnt-enough-according-to-a-leading-sleep-scientist/
• https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene
• https://shop.konmari.com/pages/about
• https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/heres-why-internet-has-made-us-lonelier-than-ever.html
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201801/5-ways-do-digital-detox