“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.” Naeem Callaway
Happy New Year! As we start a new year, many of us make resolutions to improve our health and wellbeing.
Here at Brilliantly, we understand how challenging it can be to stick to new year's resolutions, especially when it comes to making big health transformations. That's why we believe in starting small. By incorporating small habits into your daily routine, you can make big changes over time
Many people tend to focus on physical health when it comes to making resolutions, but it's essential to remember that our mental and physical health are closely linked. That's why we recommend prioritizing both mental and physical health in the new year.
One way to do this is by incorporating small habits that support both mental and physical wellness into your daily routine.
This week on the blog we want to share some small habits that can lead to big health transformations in the new year.
Start your day with a glass of water.
Before you even think about grabbing that cup of coffee, drink a glass of water. Not only will it hydrate your body, but it will also kick-start your metabolism and help flush out toxins. Plus, it's an easy habit to start, and you'll feel the benefits in no time.
Some benefits of drinking water first thing in the morning include:
Increasing your energy levels
Boosting your metabolism
Easing any aches / pains you may have
Clearing your skin
Fighting any toxins
Get moving.
We know that the thought of hitting the gym can be daunting, but exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Find something you enjoy, whether it's dancing, yoga, or taking a walk in the park. You'll start to feel the benefits of exercise in no time, and it will be a lot easier to make it a regular habit.
Moving your body not only helps you physically, but it also helps release endorphins and improves your overall mental health.
If high-intensity workouts aren’t your favorite, try incorporatin
g low-impact workouts into your routine such as:
Pilates
Hot yoga
Not hot yoga...but you know we like it hot over here!
Cycling
Eat mindfully.
We've all been guilty of mindlessly snacking or eating too much at mealtime. I mean, who wasn't guilty of this for pretty much the entire month of December?! Take the time to savor your food and pay attention to how it tastes and how it makes you feel. Eating mindfully can help you make healthier choices and reduce overeating.
Also take some time to learn about what foods work best for your body. Try limiting the amount of processed foods, refined sugars, and any foods that your body is more sensitive to.
Stay warm.
Cold weather can be tough on our bodies. Studies actually show when you’re warmer, you’re more likely to feel emotions such as generosity and ease. Making sure you’re staying warm as if you’re feeling stressed or lonely or struggling with these cold, gray days. Try taking a warm, epsom salt bath and let your body destress.
If you need to feel warm on-the-go, then be sure you grab your set of Brilliantly Warm.
You can think of Brilliantly Warm as a wearable warming machine. This is the perfect way to carry portable warmth with you—whether you’re participating in outdoor activities, traveling, or even just lounging at home. When you stay warm, you’re also helping prevent colds, improving circulation, and easing any pain/discomfort you may be feeling.
Get enough sleep.
Sleep is essential for good health, and it's something that many of us don't get enough of. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
Practicing good sleep hygiene and making sure you get a good night's sleep will help you feel energized, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day. This brings you one step closer to achieving all your new year’s resolutions.
Find ways to de-stress.
Stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Take the time to find activities that help you relax and practice self care—whether it's reading, taking a bubble bath, going for a walk or practicing some guided meditation (have you tried Brilliantly Calm?!). Finding ways to de-stress will help you feel better and make it easier to stick to your health goals.
Need tips on how to get started practicing self care? Checkout our post for tips on how to practice self care.
Be kind to yourself.
Remember that health and wellness are a journey, and it's not always easy. Be kind to yourself, and don't beat yourself up if you slip up and eat a whole pint of ice cream or skip your workout. Remember that small habits can lead to big health transformations, and that progress, not perfection, is what's important.
We suggest tracking the days you do at least one small action to help further your health goals. Try keeping a calendar, and mark everyday that you complete a small action towards your goal. For example, put a star for each day you start the day with a glass of water, a heart each day you do something to move your body, etc.
Sometimes visually seeing the progress you are making is what helps you keep going on the days where your motivation may be lower.
These are small habits we’re going to be implementing in the new year for big health transformations. Are there any others that you will be using?
Be sure to let us know in the comments below! We’d love to learn more about what your goals are for the new year.