5 steps to Better Health in the New Year

Let’s look at 5 Steps to Better Health in the New Year and how we can say goodbye to last year’s regrets as we uplevel our health choices.

As we jump into a brand new year, let’s focus on what could potentially happen in the next 365 days if we looked at our lives from a different lens.

It’s a time to reflect on the past year and then leave it behind. Let’s step into better health for ourselves in the coming months.

For moms over 40, this can be a challenge as our health and well-being may have taken a backseat as we cared for our families.

But fear not!

With determination and dedication, it is possible to achieve better health at any age.

Let’s take baby steps in January as we look at these 5 doable steps to better health.

Today, I’m sharing five steps that can help you jumpstart your journey towards improved spiritual, physical, and mental well-being in the New Year.

So put on your favorite comfy sweats, grab yourself a cup of tea (or coffee), and let’s dive into these empowering tips together!

Setting Health Goals

After trying to eat healthy between Thanksgiving and New Year’s but packing on a few extra pounds, it’s time to settle back into a new normal. Living with better health is all about a permanent lifestyle change.

If you’ve never done that before, now’s as good a time as ever.

Maybe it’s committing to a daily exercise routine, or cutting back on unhealthy foods. Whatever your specific goals may be, setting them is the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Remember, it’s never too late to start prioritizing your well-being. Each small change you make puts you on the path toward better health, and every step counts.

Most of all, I want to encourage you to include Jesus in your plans for better health in the coming year. Without changing your spiritual health, you are only creating a better body that will only last a lifetime.

Your soul lasts for eternity either in heaven or hell.

With that being said, be kind to yourself, and take this opportunity to create healthy habits that will include your body AND soul. The true goal should be to have better health to serve others for Christ.

a. The benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health

When it comes to exercise, it’s no secret that it’s good for our physical health. But did you know it’s also great for our mental well-being?

Moving our bodies releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that can boost our mood and energy levels.

Exercise can also help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even sharpen our focus and cognitive abilities.

I know that it can be hard to find motivation to exercise, but I promise that the benefits go far beyond just looking good in a pair of jeans.

Your body and mind will thank you for making movement a regular part of your routine. Let’s take care of ourselves and prioritize our health!

b. Simple ways to add more movement throughout the day, such as taking the stairs or going for a walk during breaks

It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to move our bodies throughout the day. But adding more movement to your routine can have a huge impact on your overall well-being.

Don’t worry – you don’t have to run a marathon between sedentary activities.

Simple activities like walking up the stairs or going for a short walk after sitting for a while can make a big difference.

Try making it a habit to stretch and move around every hour or so. Your body (and mind) will thank you.

So go ahead and take that active break – your body will love the change of pace.

Step 2: Eating for nourishment, not restriction

When it comes to our diets, we often get caught up in the idea of restriction. So ditch the diet and let’s choose to eat more wholesome foods that energize instead of starving our bodies of nutrition.

We’re told what not to eat, how much we should cut back on, and all the things that we need to avoid to achieve our goals.

But what if we shifted our focus to what we should be eating for nourishment instead?

Eating well should be about celebrating the foods that fuel our minds and bodies, not depriving ourselves of the things we love.

It’s time to embrace a more life-giving approach to eating, one that leaves us feeling satisfied and energized rather than stressed and hungry.

So let’s start thinking about what we can add to our meals to make them even more delicious and nourishing.

Trust me, your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!

a. Explaining the difference between restrictive diets and nourishing eating habits

When it comes to our relationship with food, it’s easy to get caught up in what we should or shouldn’t be eating.

Restrictive diets may promise quick results, but they can also leave us feeling deprived and unsatisfied.

Nourishing eating habits, on the other hand, prioritize balance and enjoyment. It’s about giving our bodies the nourishment they need while also savoring each meal and snack.

Making the transition from a restrictive diet to nourishing eating habits isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

By focusing on nourishing foods that make us feel good both physically and mentally, we can develop a healthier and more sustainable relationship with food.

b. Tips for incorporating more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into meals

Incorporating more whole foods, fruits, and veggies into your meals might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be!

If you’re looking to make some great changes in your diet, start small and focus on including these foods in a way that feels achievable and sustainable for you.

Maybe that means adding some chopped veggies into your morning omelet, throwing some berries in your afternoon yogurt snack, or trying a new recipe that features some of your favorite ingredients.

And don’t forget to celebrate the wins – even small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

So go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to enjoy the delicious flavors and variety that whole foods can bring to your plate!

Step 3: Prioritizing self-care and relaxation

Taking care of yourself should always be your top priority.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take a moment to breathe.

This is where self-care and relaxation come in.

Prioritizing a healthy balance between work and rest is crucial to your mental and physical well-being.

It’s okay to take a break, take a walk outside, read a book, or simply enjoy a cup of tea.

Whatever it is that helps you unwind, make sure to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Remember, you deserve to feel spiritually and physically happy and healthy, so take the time to take care of yourself.

a. The importance of self-care in maintaining good health

As we go through our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything around us.

However, it’s incredibly important to take some time to focus on ourselves, both mentally and physically. If we don’t, we won’t be able to continue serving those dear to us. Tension can set in and ruin our best intentions for our relationship in our marriage and with our children.

Taking care of ourselves is vital in maintaining good health, and ultimately allows us to lead more fulfilling lives.

Whether it’s taking a long bath, going for a walk, or simply reading our Bible or journaling, finding time to connect with regroup is crucial.

So, let’s make an effort to prioritize our OWN well-being and practice self-care regularly.

Remember, taking care of ourselves is not selfish – it’s necessary!

b. Suggestions for self-care practices such as a quiet time with Jesus, journaling, or indulging in hobbies

It’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself, especially during challenging times.

One way to do this is by incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine.

Having a Quiet Time with Jesus is a great place to start, as it can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote overall wellness.

Writing in a journal can allow you to process your thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space.

Finally, indulging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation, such as painting, gardening, or cooking, can help boost your mood and provide a healthy outlet for stress.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary for your well-being. So go ahead and make time for yourself, you need it.

Step 4: Joining a supportive community

Joining a supportive community is essential for personal growth whether it is done in a local setting in your town or online in a private group.

Having a group of like-minded moms who uplift, challenge, and encourage you can provide a level of support that is unmatched.

It’s important to seek out women who share your values and passions, and who will offer constructive feedback when needed.

A supportive community can also hold you accountable, which can motivate you when you feel like quitting.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you and form strong bonds.

Together, you can achieve more than you ever could alone.

Start small, and before you know it, you’ll have a network of friends who have your back no matter what.

a. The impact of social connections on your well-being

Women love connecting socially, and we thrive on the connections we make with others.

Whether it’s having deep conversations with close friends, laughing with family members, or connecting with colleagues at work, these social interactions play a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Research has shown that people with strong social ties tend to have better mental, emotional, and physical health than those who feel isolated or disconnected.

So, it’s essential to prioritize these relationships in our lives and make time for them, even during our busy lives.

Reach out to someone you care about today and maintain those valuable social connections that help us live happier, healthier lives.

b. Ideas for finding a support system, whether it be through joining my fitness classes or online community

Finding a support system can make a world of difference when it comes to having better health this year.

Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn a new skill, or simply connect with like-minded women in mid-life, there are plenty of ways to find a community around your interests.

Consider joining a fitness class, where you can meet others who are working towards similar goals.

Or, if you prefer to connect online, there are countless communities and forums dedicated to just about every topic imaginable.

Whatever path you choose, know that you are not alone in this journey.

By surrounding yourself with others who share your passions and values, you are setting yourself up to enjoy better health.

So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start finding a support system you’ll love today!

Step 5: Creating balance and better health

When it comes to achieving better health, creating balance is essential.

It’s not just about pushing yourself to the limit and burning out.

Instead, it’s about finding that sweet spot where you can work towards your aspirations while still taking care of yourself.

That might mean carving out some time for self-care, or it might mean setting more realistic goals that you can actually accomplish.

Whatever it looks like for you, know that it’s possible to pursue your dreams without sacrificing your well-being.

This is about finding a sustainable approach that works for you, and I have full faith that you can do it.

Keep pushing forward, and remember to carve out some time for yourself along the way. You’ll be glad you did and so will those you love most!

To Sum this up

For over 12 years, I have focused on my faith-based blog over at His Unmeasured Grace. I’m excited to expand my vision to include Grace-Filled Movement to encourage mid-life women to add movement into their lives. I’m thankful that you’re here and hope you come back often!