10 Simple Ways to Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals in 2022

New year, new you, right? January 12 is National Take the Stairs Day – the perfect time to take inventory of your personal wellness and set some New Year’s Resolutions to better your health. In honor of this holiday, here are 10 simple things you can do to achieve your health and wellness goals this year. 

1. Set Realistic Goals – Often, when the new year comes around, we want to make big changes in our lives. While this is admirable, sometimes we create goals that are unattainable which often leads to us giving up on them (I’m looking at you, fad diets!). Setting small goals is a great first step, whether that’s going on an evening walk after work every day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away so you can get additional steps in. 

2. Manage Your Stress Better – Something we’re all familiar with at one point or another, stress can have an intense impact on your physical and mental health if you let it run wild. Taking the time to pinpoint your greatest stressors and figuring out how to solve or manage them can lead to a more peaceful, balanced life. 

3. Stick to a Simple Nutrition and Workout Plan – People love to see results quickly which sometimes leads to drastic changes to the way they eat and exercise. Crafting a simple nutrition plan that cuts down on sugar, processed foods and soft drinks is a great place to start. Jumping into a fad diet may leave you feeling tired and unhappy with it. With exercise, consider joining a fitness class or consulting with a trainer on the right regime for you, so you can start small and build up your fitness and strength. 

4. Get Plenty of Quality Sleep – During sleep, our bodies and brains heal and repair themselves. Getting plenty of sleep is also a great step in managing stress, as lack of sleep can lead to irritability, weight gain, weakened immunity, high blood pressure and much more. Try to establish a bedtime routine and set reminders on your phone to get to sleep on time. 

5. Stay Hydrated – We know you’re tired of hearing it, but we repeat it only because it’s so important! Drinking plenty of water is essential for many reasons including regulating body temperature, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and helping you improve sleep quality, skin quality, and mood. 

6. Track Your Progress – Using an app or notebook to track your exercise or eating habits can help you pinpoint areas where you need to improve but can also assist you in staying on track to meeting your goals. There are many free app options out there for you to explore! 

7. Schedule Yearly Wellness Check Ups with Your Doctor – Seeing your doctor on a regular basis is important to help you maintain your health and keep your doctor informed of any changes.  

8. Get Support from Friends and Family – Having the support of your loved ones can make all the difference when achieving your goals. They will be there to encourage you to keep going and can help you push through when it gets tough. Plus, they can provide great company during walks or workouts! 

9. Spend More Time with Loved Ones – Aside from simply enjoying their company, spending time with loved ones can help you improve your mental and emotional health by reducing stress, building confidence, creating stronger emotional bonds and improving your communication skills! 

10. Remember to Take It Easy – Most importantly, don’t forget to relax and have fun! Achieving your goals can be rewarding, but so can self-care and time for yourself. Your health and fitness journey should be something you enjoy and want to incorporate into your lifestyle instead of a one-off thing you get tired of. 

We hope these top tips help you achieve your 2022 health and wellness goals. At NARA, we’re here to assist you in getting a step closer in any way we can. To learn more about what we do and how we can help, visit our website.