Start the year off right!

Happy 2022!

Good morning and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! We successfully made it through another eventful year and are now entering a new year of growth and positive change. Let’s get this year started on the right foot by talking about what goals we can set for ourselves to make sure we’re making this year a happy and healthy one.

We’ll talk about some of the common goals on being active, healthy, and kind to ourselves, but if you have any that you want to share, let us know!

Goal #1 – Be Active

If one of your goals is to increase daily physical activity without going to the gym (especially the first few weeks of the year), here are some great ideas to get moving

• Set a reminder! If your career requires long periods of sitting, try going for a short walk during your lunch break or set a reminder to get up and walk every hour.
• Find an activity you enjoy! Instead of feeling like you have to drag yourself to be physically active, find an activity that brings you joy and then give yourself the flexibility to plug it into your routine.
• Get some fresh air! Going out for a walk through the neighborhood or at your local park is a great way to stay physically active. Or call up a friend and go for a hike together and catch up!

Remember, you don’t have to spend hours upon hours in the gym to stay active – all movement counts. The only thing that matters is that you find an activity that makes YOU feel good and that YOU look forward to fitting into YOUR routine! Want more information on how to get started? Click here!

Goal #2 – Be Healthy

If one of your goals is to eat healthier and more mindfully, here are some great ideas!

• Eat whole. Eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, and whole grains are a great way to fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function!
• Rethink your drink! If one of your goals this year is to stay hydrated and drink more water, consider cutting back or stop drinking sweetened beverages. Minimizing intake can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities!
• Shop regularly, and local! Try to make sure that your home is stocked with ingredients to make a delicious meal at home, by either shopping at your local supermarket or farmer’s market!

Goal #3 – Be Kind

Pledge this year to show yourself some love by taking care of the essential person in your life – yourself! We only have one body and mind, so it’s vital to treat yourself with kindness every day. Here are some ways you can be there for you!

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep quality plays an essential role in your overall health. So decrease screen time before bed, turn the lights down low, maybe pour yourself a nice cup of tea, and get to bed at a reasonable time!
• Take “me time.” Carving out time in your day for yourself is not selfish. It’s easy to stay in “busy mode” all day, but you deserve to take time for yourself! Maybe even use that PTO to take a vacation or staycation!
• Make time for play! Remember all those playdates you used to do as a child? All the times you used your imagination and just did all the activities you wanted? As we age, it’s easy to let those hobbies go as the schedules get busier and busier. This year, try to tap into your inner child and make time for fun!

Grow without guilt!

Take a moment to remember that your goals for the year are just that – YOURS. So they should be something that will guide you to grow, not something to make you feel bad about yourself! Remember this when you are thinking about your goals for the new year so you can start the entire year on a positive note!

Do you have goals that you want to share with us? Let us know!