With the holidays behind us and the new year approaching, are you making resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle?
Living a healthier lifestyle can lower your health care expenses as you age. The way you take care of your body when you’re younger impacts how your body will perform when you’re older.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
Which part do you want to tackle in the new year?
If it’s eating well, decide how you will make a change.
Do you plan to replace dining out with eating at home more often?
Will you try a delivery meal prep service to make eating at home easier?
Will you use portion-control container method to avoid overeating?
If it’s getting enough sleep, determine how much sleep you need to function at your peak performance. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep nightly.
Once you know how much sleep you need, decide how you will make a change.
Will you set an alarm to remind yourself when to go to bed to avoid staying up late?
Do you plan to purchase a weighted blanket or other items to help you improve your sleep quality?
Will you develop a pre-sleep routine to help your mind and body relax?
If it’s exercising regularly, know what keeps you motivated.
Will you sign-up for an event that requires training (e.g., marathon, obstacle course race, etc.)?
Will you enroll in a fitness class or hire a personal trainer?
Do you plan to purchase a new type of exercising equipment (row machine, elliptical, etc.)?
Many people vow to live a healthier lifestyle in the new year. They may take action initially, but then their motivation dwindles.
Sometimes it’s because their goals are unrealistic. Sometimes it’s becuase they are making too many changes.
Be different this year by selecting only one item to change. Make a commitment to try it for one month.
During that timeframe, it’ll become a habit if it works. If it doesn’t work after a month, then adjust it accordingly to better fit your lifestyle.
Make 2020 your best year ever by staying PEF (positive, enthused, and focused)!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”