It’s approaching the time of year when many of us start to think about what we want to achieve in the future and how we can feel happier and healthier. There’s a huge amount of information about healthy living online and in magazines and newspapers, and sometimes, it can be difficult to know what works and what doesn’t. If you’re not sure where to start with boosting your health, this guide outlines simple, accessible solutions. 

Monitor your diet

The word ‘diet’ is on everyone’s lips during the festive and new year seasons. Usually, when we talk about changing our diets, we focus on weight loss. While adapting your menu and eating habits can help you to drop excess pounds if you’re overweight, the number one priority should always be nutrition. Your body relies on your diet for essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Try to monitor your diet and optimise nutrition. Use an app to evaluate your weekly menu and see if there are any issues or areas for improvement. Your app might tell you that you’re not getting enough protein, fibre or iron, for example, or you may be consuming too much sugar or salt. Once you know where you’re falling short, you can make changes. Simple steps like adding more fruit and vegetables and whole grains and cutting down on sugary and processed foods can make a huge difference. 

Move more

Statistics show that over a third of men and almost half of women don’t do enough exercise. Being active has incredible benefits for your body and it can also boost mental health and confidence and lift your mood. Aim to move more every day. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, adapt your daily routine to incorporate physical activity. Go for a walk, take exercise classes, play sports or embrace active hobbies like swimming, playing golf, cycling, yoga or trampolining. If you struggle to maintain motivation and you usually give up on new fitness regimes, explore personal trainer services or start training or going to workout classes with your partner, a friend or family members. Have fun with exercise. You don’t have to go jogging in the rain every day or spend your life in the gym to get fit. You can dance, cycle, hike, swim, spin or climb your way to better health.  

Try stress management techniques

Stress is one of the most common ailments among UK adults. Life hasn’t been easy for the last few years and many people are experiencing stress linked to work, money worries and general anxiety about political and economic matters. We all have to deal with stress at some point, but severe stress can take its toll on mental and physical health. Try to implement stress management techniques to prevent or alleviate stress. Examples include regular exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, making sure you get enough rest, devoting time to hobbies and taking time out to unwind and relax. It’s also beneficial to talk to people if you feel overwhelmed and to identify and avoid triggers where possible. 

There’s a lot of information about healthy living. Sometimes, it can seem like you have to overhaul every aspect of your lifestyle to improve your health, but this isn’t true. Simple steps like focusing on nutrition, moving more and using stress management techniques can make a big difference.