By @chrisbardawil founder of @coreflexpilates
As we enter 2023, there will be a lot of articles with quick fixes for getting into shape, losing weight, cutting out alcohol, and so forth. Ideally though, we want to keep an even keel when it comes to our health all year round. Here are a few ideas for keeping in shape and healthy throughout the year.
Cook Regularly
For general health this is the number one thing I think we can all try to do more of to not only stay healthy, but to save money and be happier. Cooking takes time and focus, it allows you to use better ingredients, it stops you from ordering takeout, and it encourages you to socialize (good friends, good food!). Learn four to five healthy and easy-to-make recipes for each meal time and make those your staple meals. Eating out or ordering takeaway should be seen as a treat.
Lift Weights
Resistance training has a protective effect on our health, it promotes bone density, regulates our hormones and makes us look strong. You don't need to go heavy or lift everyday, but doing two to three sets of compound exercises per major body part one to two times a week will keep you in great shape. I like to mix pull-ups, some sort of pressing exercises (e.g. bench press, dumbbell press) and a leg exercise (e.g. squats, lunges, or deadlifts), and be in and out of the gym in 30 minutes.
Moderation with Alcohol
Each to their own with alcohol, but for some people quitting completely is better. For others, moderation is more sustainable. Many cultures with the longest lifespans drink in moderation (like Sardinians). With that said, it is never a bad thing to evaluate this area of your life and make necessary adjustments.
Relaxation
On the topic of destressing, relaxation is essential to health and something we often neglect or forget to find time for completely. Take a hot bath, book yourself a massage, spend some time alone doing what you enjoy, practice hobbies that make you feel good, or take a long walk in nature. These are just a few ideas but they're activities to keep up with on a regular basis. If you notice you are slowly slipping into your outer world too much, like being overly focused on pleasing others for example, then its time to shift your focus inwards and look after yourself.
