We can all get stuck in a rut in our daily lives from time to time. That extra glass of wine is far too tempting. That hamburger and fries are just calling your name. But the more we continue to do that, the more our lifestyle is going in the opposite direction of being healthy. In fact, anything other than a healthy lifestyle can lead to weight issues, depression, and low confidence and self-esteem. There is no denying that.

It isn’t just about avoiding these things, because, let’s face it, we can’t avoid a burger every now and again or social drinks with friends and family. But you can take a more balanced approach and enjoy things in moderation. Doing this could transform your lives. It is the ideal time of the year to understand the things that could be holding you back, the stumbling blocks you may face or the changes that you can actively make that will help make a difference. With that in mind, here’s a helpful, quick guide to having a healthier lifestyle now and for the new year ahead. 

Think about what you drink

We can all enjoy a social alcoholic drink on the weekend but try and not let this become an everyday occurrence. The same can be said for the amount of caffeine you drink. It can be hard to turn down that glass of wine in an evening and use it as a coping mechanism for a bad day. It can be diffuse to avoid turning to a caffeinated drink when you feel like you need a quick pick me. But the best advice would be to moderate what you drink and to keep these to a minimum. Instead, you could consider drinking more water throughout the day. Keeping yourself hydrated will offer many benefits including clearer skin and a better night’s sleep. It’s recommended to get through at least two litres a day. If you struggle to keep hydrated during the day, then invest in a water bottle that you can keep close by. It will remind you to drink more. 

What about the relationships in your life?

Sometimes we can just be going about our day and lives, accepting the people that have an influence and from part of it, and be done with it. But you may need to start thinking about how these relationships impact your life. For example, your relationship with a partner. This could be a husband or a wife, a girlfriend or boyfriend, but is the relationship as healthy as it could be? We can often become blinded to things such as emotional abuse and narcissism behavior, and this, without realizing it, can have a damaging effect on us. This is when you may want to start thinking about a narcissistic abuse recovery program if you have managed to break away from a relationship like this to help you on the path to recovery. It might be that your friends are causing issues, perhaps being a negative influence on your life or bringing you down without even realizing it. The small things can impact your life more than you realize, so it may be a good idea to evaluate the relationships in your life and keep the people close that build you up and help you to feel good. 

Take more exercise and move more

Exercise is one of those things can help us not just physically, but also mentally as well. We all know the major health benefits of exercising more, such as reducing weight, getting into shape and having more energy, but it isn’t easy to do it regularly. We all have excuses such as no time or not feeling adequate or able to do it. Going from one extreme to another won’t be easy. It will be hard to go from zero exercise to attending a gym each day and enjoying it. That won’t happen. Instead, just focus on moving more in general. This could be taking a walk each day or starting to run. It’s a gradual process. Things like increasing the number of steps you do can be just enough. However, if you want to go one step further then join a gym. This can be a great motivator as it gives you the chance to make some friends. Exercising is a great way to get into shape and to feel good about yourself and it can have a real positive impact on your life. 

Consider a more balanced diet rather than something extreme

Diets can be tricky business. They can offer a great weight loss option at the beginning, but they can be difficult to maintain. Many of us can be tempted to try an extreme diet to get some instant results, but the issue is that these can often be short-lived. The best option to consider would be a balanced diet. This is where you get a good intake of fruit and vegetables, but you don’t deny yourself the odd treat either. If you are struggling for healthier recipes, then you can always do a quick search online for some inspiration. A balanced diet can often be tricky if you have a busy schedule, so it might be time to think about meal planning and batch cooking to help you stay on track. This can also be a great saver for you financially. 

Is your career holding you back?

The problem is with any job, is that we spend such a big chunk of our time doing it. If you don’t do something that you enjoy or feel passionate about then it can be really depressing when it comes to your life. Your career can feel like a huge hurdle in your life, and one that can be difficult to change, due to the reliance on a wage to pay the bills. However, it is possible to change your career, work for yourself or even start your own business. It does take time and dedication, and it may mean doing extra work at night or on weekends to gain new qualifications or build up a business. But in the long term, it is worth it. Your career can often be something that defines who you are, so take the time to understand whether it truly is the right thing for you right now. If it is not, then the new year is a great motivator to finally make that change. 

A positive mindset will take you far

Sometimes just changing the way you think about things can have a massive effect on your life. A negative thought process will always make you feel trapped and closed in. You may tell yourself that you can’t do something, or perhaps feel bad about yourself for the way you look or how you act. But a positive mindset will always make things seem much brighter and achievable. It can start by simply feeling grateful for what you have and taking it from there. This can be something you do each night before you go to bed or first thing in the morning when you wake up. Feeling thankful for small things can develop into a more grateful attitude about other aspects of your life. A positive mindset can also be developed when it comes to the inner conversation that you have with yourself. It is time to change the narrative. Don’t talk to yourself in a way you wouldn’t talk to others. You need to be your biggest fan. 

Let’s hope this guide will help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle.