It’s January, the start of a brand new year! Now that the holidays are over, you might be looking to use this new year as a way to start fresh and make some serious lifestyle changes for a healthier life. Don’t know where to start? Here are 6 easy habits, from using an infrared sauna to getting more sleep, that you can implement into your daily routine so you can take on this new year as a new and improved you! 

1) Get into a hobby

Having a recreational outlet is a great way to be productive while still relieving stress and having fun, all of which are important for a healthy life. Unfortunately, it’s common for people to push aside their personal interests when their agendas get too busy. If you find that you struggle with doing this, try to spend this year prioritizing your personal needs and interests in the name of mental health. If you don’t already have a hobby, pick up a new one that you’ve been meaning to try or get back into an old one you haven’t been keeping up with. 

2) Maintain a nutritious diet

We all know how food-centered the holidays can be. As delicious as it all is, holiday foods aren’t the healthiest for a nutritious diet, considering they’re often packed with butter, carbs, salt, and sugar. Because of this, many of us begin to feel a little sluggish and vow to use the new year to make healthier food choices. Luckily, there are plenty of small changes you can make in your diet that can have a long-lasting impact on your well being. This includes eating at home more often, dining earlier in the evening, drinking more water, and incorporating more fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean protein into your meals. 

3) Schedule in some self-care

Regular doses of self-care are important for our mental health, as they can reduce stress and boost relaxation. The great thing about self-care is that it comes in many forms, like doing a facemask, meditating, or hopping in an infrared sauna. No matter what type of self-care you choose, try to dedicate more time this year, whether it be a couple of minutes before bed or an entire afternoon, to doing something that will bring you peace of mind. You deserve to be your happiest self this year, and practicing more self-care like relaxing in an infrared sauna can get you there! 

4) Be more active

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you might want to consider becoming a bit more active this coming year if you’re interested in bettering your health. There are many benefits that come from regular exercise, like improved mental well being, muscle and bone strength, heart health, energy levels, sleep quality, and brain function. Generally, it’s recommended that adults get about 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. To make your workout even better, find an activity you actually like, whether it be biking, hiking, yoga, lifting weights, or running, and let yourself enjoy the exercise! 

5) Get in your full 8 hours of sleep

Rest is just as important as exercise. In fact, a lack of sleep can lead to memory issues, impaired brain function, low levels of energy, and put you at risk for other serious health issues. That being said, it’s important for adults to get around 8 hours of sleep every night to avoid these negative effects, so commit yourself this year to giving your body all the fuel it requires! If you struggle with falling asleep, experiment with different sleep-encouraging tips like setting a curfew, meditating, and drinking herbal tea to encourage rest. 

6) Trade your screen time for more time outside

Do you spend a good portion of your day staring at a screen? Too much screen time can lead to damaging effects for our eyes and mental health, not to mention it’s been linked to insomnia and weight gain. On the other hand, the fresh air is wonderful for our wellbeing. More specifically, studies show that those who spend more time outdoors experience a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased focus. In 2021, dedicate more of your time to being one with the great outdoors, your body and mind will thank you!