5 Ways to Have a Healthier 2021

Whether you managed to get out and ride a comfort bike through your neighborhood regularly last year or you wondered how to ride an electric bike but couldn’t leave home because of quarantine, it’s likely that the past year has put a new focus on health for you, as it has for many. Besides a renewed public interest in staying healthy, you may also be looking for ways to get out of a slump and have a healthier year in 2021. From exercise to mental and emotional health, there are several aspects of staying well that you could focus on in the coming year.

1. Don’t Relegate Workouts to the Back Burner

The focus on health in 2020 may not have always placed importance on staying active, but regular exercise has countless health benefits that simply can’t be replaced. In 2021, resolve to pull workouts from the back burner onto your everyday to do list. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer through boring or tedious workouts! From trying out pilates to a womens hybrid bike to skiing and more, the trick is doing the workouts you find most enjoyable.

2. Make Small Adjustments to How You Eat

Resolving to eat better can sometimes set you up for failure if you don’t narrow down your goal. Rather than creating a vague goal, it may be easier to commit to a few small adjustments to how you eat. Taken together over time, they can make a big difference! For example, you can start:

• Adding one fruit or vegetable to each meal
• Slowly consuming less alcohol
• Cooking with less salt

3. Remember To Treat Yourself With Respect and Kindness

If your concern is largely in the realm of emotional health, you may want to consider talking with a professional to get personalized tips. It’s generally helpful to remember that no matter what, you deserve the same respect and kindness as others do.

4. Sleep Well, But Stay on a Schedule

It’s critical to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night, but if your sleep schedule is constantly off, you could be harming your focus at work and even your health. For the New Year, try to commit to a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and see if you feel better after a while.

5. Take Small Breaks Regularly

If long breaks make you feel like you’re not working enough, or if they’re simply not an option in your line of work, it’s still essential to take small breaks, and regularly. You can make the most of even ten minutes by allowing yourself to indulge in one of your favorite hobbies, whether that’s a short walk around the block, crocheting a new scarf or catching up on the latest sports statistics.

Health may have been on everyone’s mind in 2020, but 2021 could present some real opportunities to have a renewed focus on wellness in your everyday life. Whether you’re simply hoping to squeeze in a bit more exercise or you want to focus on being kind to yourself, you can get started on your New Year’s wellness journey through some of these methods.