HAPPY New Year BostonMan Magazine!
Every January when the calendar switches to a new year we all gain a chance to have a fresh start and begin anew. It is a refreshing time of year; a positive time.
People have a renewed sense of hope. They ponder new opportunities and plan new adventures. Hence, the New Year’s Resolution is born.
Studies show that 40% of individuals make a resolution each year, but 77% of these individuals give up on their resolutions in less than one month.
In my opinion, this happens because people tend to look at resolutions as “stop doing something bad and start doing something good”, instead of a “promise to do something different.”
My suggestion is to choose “healthy habits” instead of “resolutions.” This will create lifetime habits that will help individuals better themselves instead of choosing unattainable goals that will cause failure and defeat. BostonMan, this now brings us to my list of 2023 “healthy habits” that I feel are goals any of us can maintain.
- Drink More Water: This is actually a difficult one for me to keep because I tend to sit at my desk and drink coffee all morning instead. However, water is known to boost mood, raise immunity, keep your energy levels up and prevent dehydration. I actually found that buying one of those huge bottles labeled with time intervals helps keep me on track throughout the day.
- Schedule Check-Ups: Preventative care is so important for our health. Since the pandemic I think many of us have forgotten about our check-ups. Getting preventative care reduces the risk of getting sick, detects potentially life-threatening diseases early, and gives people the treatment and care they need. Take some time out of your busy day and make those phone calls scheduling all of your doctor appointments and dental visits for 2023.
- Sit Less, Move More: Do not think of this as a resolution such as “I am going to exercise five times a week.” Instead, think of this as choosing a physical activity you enjoy doing each week to get your body moving. This can be walking, yoga, spin class, etc.
- Get More Sleep: Getting the proper amount of sleep is crucial to physical and mental health. If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, find a consistent bedtime routine that helps you unwind and relax. I am not the type of person that can just come home and jump in bed and fall asleep even if it is late at night. I need to read or watch tv for a little to shut down my brain. Make your bedroom inviting. Invest in new bedding, paint your room, buy a new pillow; basically anything to make you want to be in there to sleep!
- Reduce Stress: For short intervals of time, stress can be helpful for some people. It helps them take action and be productive, but chronic stress increases anxiety, depression, chances of getting diabetes and the risk of heart disease. Find at least one thing that relaxes you and set aside 10 minutes per day to do this. Yes, I actually mean “schedule” this into your day. For me, an exercise class does the trick. Browsing online to look at clothing also helps.
- Commit to Learning: When people learn something new, it boosts their brain power, creates new possibilities, and lowers their risk of Alzheimers. Learning helps people revamp their careers, boost confidence, and make new social connections. Currently, I am learning how to work with multi-language learners. It is a population of students I have not spent a great deal of time working with during my teaching career, but I feel so renewed after a session of time is spent with these learners.
- Find “ME” Time for Self Care: So many of us tend to put ourselves last. Stop doing this. Stop saying “yes” to everything and start saying “no” sometimes. Treat yourself to something you love at least once a month, such as a massage, manicure, facial etc
- Follow the 80/20 Rule for Healthy Eating: So many people ask me how I maintain a healthy weight. Thankfully I do have great genetics and a very petite mother, but I have always followed the 80/20 rule of eating. It is not a diet, but instead it is maintaining a balance between nutritious foods and your favorite treats. You are able to splurge at times with no deprivation. For example, I may eat a healthy breakfast and lunch, but have two slices of pizza at dinner. I may also eat three healthy meals one day, but have a brownie for dessert. You treat yourself each day in small amounts. This has helped me maintain portion control and my weight as well.
Images by Merissa Conley
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Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her “you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21” mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!
