Four resolutions to take into the New Year

Any day is a good day to start investing in your health. But starting a new diet, or health regimen, on a Monday; or at the beginning of a new year feels almost ceremonious. So as you sit down and write down your resolutions for 2020, be sure to remember to add a few that will make you a happier, healthier version of your 2019 self.

Resolutions are notorious for being short-lived. This is usually because they are grand gestures, or unrealistic. Make sure to make your health goals attainable and build from there. Slow and steady will win the race!

Water

You hear it constantly, but drinking your allocated two litres of water a day will positively affect every function in your body. Besides detoxing you from all the festive season spoils by flushing waste from your body, drinking loads of water is linked to clearer skin, a better complexion and a faster metabolism and thriving digestive system. Dehydration leads to constipation.

You won’t run the risk of becoming dehydrated in the January heat and you will feel more energised if you stay hydrated.

Water lubricates your mouth by assisting in saliva and mucous production, and it also lubricates your joints.

Exercise

Exercise is a cliché resolution, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea. Exercising isn’t just a way to lose weight, but to keep your body moving is a great way to remain supple and healthy.

Exercise releases endorphins that can fight depression and improve your overall mental health, not just your physical well-being. It also makes you smarter! Exercise releases proteins that feed your brain!

Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure and triglyceride levels and can strengthen your heart and improve your circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body, explains Medine Plus. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Science has linked exercise to better sleep, longevity and a youthful appearance, increased energy and fewer ailments due to old age.

Meditate

Life is fast paced. With technology constantly buzzing in our pockets, the need to be connected and in the loop has grown over the last few years, it is important to make the time to switch off from the demand of your life, your work and your phone! Meditation has been proven to have mental and physical benefits. Even if you are taking an hour a day to just be in a quiet, calm environment, you will notice the positive effects on your body and mind.

Meditation has mostly been viewed as an Eastern practice, although in recent years it has made its way into mainstream medicine. More Western practitioners are recognising the benefits of meditation and quiet time. Benefits include improved concentration, mental agility, and better sleep and even better interpersonal relationships, which presumably come from being calmer and more attentive.

Meditation reduces stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression, increases stress resilience and even boosts the immune system, says A Lust for Life. As we reduce our stress, the immune system is boosted and so is our general well-being.

Invest in a good health insurance

Having a good health insurance not only ensures that you are covered in an emergency, it gives you financial security and peace of mind. Peace of mind means less stress.

To look around for a health insurance that suits you and your family’s needs is a great way to be more responsible in the New Year.

Affinity Health has an array of options, tailored to the individual.

Affinity Health aims to make affordable healthcare available to all South Africans with healthcare plans designed to suit your health and financial needs.