Making a New Year’s resolution can be your first step to a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is losing weight, stressing less or being more positive, having any type of resolution is beneficial to both your health and your life. Resolutions drive motivation and provide direction, giving you a goal to aim for and a plan to achieve it. They can help you grow by having you test your limits to discover new capabilities you never knew you had. If you have not made a New Year’s resolution by this time, consider resolving to feel better in your own skin. This way, you can do a number of things to improve your physical and mental health and at the same time feel better about your body. To do so, start by following these five tips today to help you achieve just that.
1. Develop Self-Compassion
It is said that we are our own worst critic. A lot of times, we tend to be too hard on ourselves and unforgiving with our past mistakes and shortcomings. To develop self-compassion, first remember that you are only human. Accept that you are not perfect. Be kind and understanding towards yourself as you would unto others with their mishaps. Likewise, get rid of negative self-talk and stop comparing yourself to others or the old you. The focus will be on you now and how you will reach your health goals.
2. Focus on Health, Not Weight
We pay too much attention to losing weight and become obsessed with every number and decimal on the scale. Try instead, focusing on eating healthy, include a larger variety of foods in your diet like whole grains, fruits and vegetables and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. When you consistently focus more on health, improvement in your weight will naturally occur.
3. Get Adequate Sleep
Constant lack of sleep can affect your mood, energy and stress levels, which overtime can cause an imbalance in your body’s natural hormones. The hormones that are often affected aid in our ability to manage stress and stave off midnight cravings. Depriving yourself of sleep can sabotage both your health and your waistline. According to sleep research, the human body needs seven and a half hours of quality sleep each night. Avoid adding unnecessary pounds by getting adequate sleep.
4. Take Care of Your Skin
Fun fact: The skin is the largest organ in your body. The way your skin looks and feels is a direct reflection of your health and hydration status. Taking care of your skin starts on the inside. Drink plenty of water, eight cups daily and eat healthy meals. Think of nutrition as your body’s natural makeup, what you put on the inside will affect how you look on the outside. Additionally, pampering yourself is an important part of skin management and anti-aging. Cleanse and moisturize your face and body daily and exfoliate two to three times a week.
5. Wear Clothes That Fit Well
Wearing clothes that fit well will simply help you feel better about yourself. Oversize baggy clothing as well as tight-fitting clothes can cause you to think and feel you are bigger than you actually are. You want to choose clothes that conform to your body shape with just the right amount of breathing room.
Make 2014 the year of feeling better in your own skin. Now is a great time to start! Visit hottTofu.com for more health tips.
Article: Jamie Luu
Jamie Luu is a registered dietitian with a passion in improving the overall health and wellness of Asian Americans. For questions or comments on this article, e-mail [email protected].
