Welcome to the New Year: 5 Simple Steps to Rock 2023

As we get back to a greater sense of ‘normalcy’, it's important to prioritize our health and well-being. And what better way than making a good fresh start in the New Year? Yes, January 2023 is the perfect opportunity to rethink our approach to wellness and make a commitment to improving our lifestyles.

While traditional resolutions are difficult to maintain, there are simple steps we can take to gradually improve our well-being. Here are five expert strategies for starting 2023 with renewed energy and purpose.

Go with a Sustainable and Healthy Diet (and in that order)

Focus on long-term sustainability rather than hard core restrictive diets that you might see as quick fixes. Fad diets that promise rapid results may harm our metabolism and mental health, and are difficult to maintain. Instead, choose a dietary plan that fits into your personality and daily routine. The results will be gradual but lasting benefits.

Prioritize Sleep

It’s super easy to prioritize socializing and working over getting a good night's sleep. However, sleep deprivation and poor-quality sleep can have serious consequences on our health and blood sugar. Insulin resistance, weight gain, depression, and anxiety can all be triggered by too-little sleep. To ensure you’re at your best, get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night.

Get Some Daylight

According to research, exposing yourself to strong light during winter helps improve your mood. While a light therapy lamp is an option, just walking outside in the morning is an even better idea. The sunshine will boost your serotonin levels right away, leaving you feeling more energized and positive.

Stress Less

Stress is a major contributor to a wide range of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, digestive disorders, and depression. While it may not be possible to eliminate all sources of stress, we can take steps to reduce the impact it has. Activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, exercise, or counseling can help us disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves. Remember, "me time" is an important part of self-care.

Move Some More

Exercise regularly and engage in activities that challenge our brains. Along with a healthy diet and a good night's sleep, exercising for at least 15 minutes a day can also help improve brain function and mood. By making a commitment to brain-healthy habits, we can improve our cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline.

As we welcome the New Year, it's important to prioritize our overall well-being and make a commitment to improving our lifestyles. We hope these recommendations help you to get started on the right foot!