Infographic: New Year, New You!

Be bold this year, and learn healthy ways to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit! Try making small changes in your daily routine with these simple tips to enhance all three aspects of your being— mental, physical, and spiritual.

Here’s to a new year and a new you!

Mind

Challenging yourself to learn new things and engage in new activities is a great way to exercise your brain and sharpen your mind. Learning new things also triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical that plays a role in memory, motivation, and mood.

Start a new hobby. Try knitting, camping, gardening, writing, woodworking, running, or anything you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to.
Go on an adventure. Book a trip to somewhere new or explore your own city.
Sign up for a workshop or class. Cooking, calligraphy, computers… whatever sparks your interest!
Become a bookworm. Hit the library and check out books from a variety of genres to expand your reading horizons.

Body

Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. When you get in shape and kick the bad habits, you can even become a whole new you!

Commit to hit the hay. You deserve at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest for improved health and well-being.
Kick the butts. Nix your bad habits, such as vaping or overeating, and your body will see instant positive changes.
Get active. Your body was made to move. So much so that the lack of physical activity has been linked to various health problems. You don’t even need a gym membership – yard work, walking, dance parties, and window shopping all count!
Schedule an annual physical checkup. Physical exams provide an opportunity to check on your overall health, thereby safeguarding against potential physical problems that could arise.

Spirit

More experts are embracing a holistic perspective on health. It’s no longer limited to physical functioning, but it encompasses psychological and spiritual well-being, too.

Become one with nature. Nature is the ultimate healing force. Get outdoors and go for a walk when you’re feeling blue.
Get the giggles. Rent a comedy, learn a few new jokes, or hang out with funny friends.
Disconnect to reconnect. Turn off the TV or tablet and call someone you love. When you’re connected with others, you gain an invaluable source of support.
Be still. Meditate or just sit quietly with no distractions for five minutes every day. Listening to peaceful music is a great way to help induce a calm and relaxing mood.
Practice gratitude. Write down five things you’re thankful for each night. People who are more grateful generally have higher levels of well-being. On top of that, the positive emotions gained from exercising gratitude can help lower blood pressure and slow down your heart rate as you get ready to sleep.

Investing in your mind, body, and spirit to achieve optimum health and wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With these simple tips, you can take steps toward a healthier and more balanced life.

The following infographic perfectly illustrates all of these points. Best wishes for a healthy, happy new year – and a new you!