Sometimes, January can just make us feel even more lost in the whirlwind of healthy new year changes when it seems like everything is competing for that #1 priority slot. Rationally, you know you need to get back on track, but it feels like the “everything else” just keeps getting in the way of you feeling good again.  If you’re feeling a little stuck and have no idea how to fix it, you’re not alone! Here are our best tips to make your health a priority again in 2019:

Stop Comparing

 

Let’s be honest. We all do it. We compare our lives, our businesses, our bodies, even our food choices despite knowing that it doesn’t do a thing to make us feel better. This “second nature” habit takes the joy out of our accomplishments, lowers our self-esteem, and can even cause us to stop our own progress in its tracks because it isn’t “good enough” anymore!

Instead of falling into the trap, break the habit by reminding yourself that:

• Social media is a highlight reel that only shows the very best moments with the very best filters at the very best angles. Real life is much messier than that Instagram post, and it’s leaving out those messy details that you are so aware of in your own life.
• Your journey is your own and it deserves celebrating! It doesn’t matter that you finished the 5k slower or you lost 5 pounds when your friend lost 10; your accomplishments required their own struggles and you deserve to feel joy and pride in reaching your milestone.

Give Yourself Space

 

During the first few months of the year, we are bombarded with messages about self-improvement, and that can be overwhelming for many people. But, if you want to be the best version of yourself, you need to give yourself the space to explore what “self-improvement” means for you! At the end of the day, you decide what makes you happy, healthy, and the best version of you.

Grab a journal, shut off your phone, and tune out the rest of the world for a little while. Make a habit of doing this for 10-15 minutes each day to focus on what is important to you in your life right now. Where do you want to improve? Who do you want to be? What steps do you need to take to become that version of yourself? Once you’ve finished, head into your day with a clear, focused mind and crush whatever goals you’ve set.

Block Your Time

 

The needs of others have a way fo creeping into the spaces we’ve set aside for ourselves and  – while, yes, it is selfless – that habit isn’t helpful in the long run. When it comes down to improving your health in 2019, you’ve got full permission to be a little selfish! Those 30 minutes you need for your jog aren’t going to make-or-break your family dinner, even if it means you are sitting down a touch later than normal.

Whether it’s time for a workout or setting aside time to meal prep for the week, blocking time is a great strategy for those who need a little structure.  Go ahead and pre-schedule your workouts and schedule time to hit the grocery store alone. Creating that momentum and routine can not only help you build the habit, but it can help you stick with it, too!

Know Your Why

 

Changing habits isn’t an easy thing to do, and it’s difficult to rely on something as fluid as motivation. It’s better to have a  solid, real-world reason you want to stick to your changes, even when obstacles arise!

Do you have kids or grandkids? Do you want to have more energy and a clear head to perform better at work? Know the reason why you want to make a change, write it down, and save it where you can see it every day to keep you focused and moving in the right direction!

Get Your Sleep

 

Sleep is one of the most essential activities of the human body, and it might just be one of the most underrated. Sleep is when our body finally gets time to recover, heal, and replenish both our body and brain for the day ahead. Most adults need at least 7-8 hours in order to avoid effects of sleep deprivation such as low mood, hormone imbalances, sugar and carb cravings, and brain fog but many of us fall short.

Make sleep a priority by shutting off screens an hour or two before bedtime and replacing that activity with more calming ones such as reading or simply catching up with your family. Still having trouble settling in? Grab your Isotonix Turn Down before bed and allow the blend of botanicals and nutrients to ease your body into the restful night’s sleep it needs.

Eat What Makes You Feel Good

 

Your body knows more than you give it credit for and it’s worth listening to – trust us! It doesn’t matter if the latest trend is OMAD, IF, Keto, or some seaweed-ginger diet that your Aunt saw on Pinterest; if it doesn’t make you feel good, then it’s probably best not to eat it.

This goes further than the fact that you’re far less likely to stick to a diet or lifestyle you hate. When you eat things that cause inflammation, you may be preventing your body from getting the nutrients it needs from the foods you’re eating + you’re less likely to be active during the day when your body is constantly in “repair” mode. Including a digestive enzyme or probiotic supplement is always helpful as well.

If you feel bloated and gassy after eating cheese, then it’s time to step away from the dairy.
If you’re feeling irregular after a pint of Halo Top, maybe artificial sweeteners need to go.
If you’re sluggish + lethargic after eating a high-fat Keto meal, then it’s worth looking at other options.

Long story short: your body will tell you what it needs to be healthy, but you have to be willing to listen.

Make Room for Nutrients

 

When you’re trying to put your health first, nutrients are your first stop! Of course, whole foods are your best option and home-cooked meals a great way to ensure you’re eating in a way that puts your health and nutrition needs on the front lines! By cooking your own food, you can be sure you’re eating real, whole, and unprocessed foods as opposed to something that was frozen and thrown into a deep fryer. Plus, you can make extra for to-go lunches and have full control over your portion sizes!

But not everyone has the time or resources to make a balanced meal each and every day. Even if we do, we all slip up from time to time! This is why it’s important to ensure you’re including the right combination of vitamins and supplements in your daily health routine so you can fill the small gaps before they become large ones! Not sure where to start? This NutriPhysical is a great way to find out where you may need a little extra nutrient boost.

Get a Check-Up

 

No one enjoys going to the doctor’s office, but regular health exams and screenings are a great way to put your health first. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are only helping your chances of living a longer, healthier life by identifying potential problems before they start!

While your lifestyle choices are important, your overall health is also impacted by factors that lie outside of your control such as age and family history. You may not know whether certain aspects of your lifestyle can or should be adjusted to help improve your wellbeing, but the doctors do (with the help of a few tests, of course). Take some time to schedule a regular check-up as well as preventative screenings to be sure you’re doing everything you need to for a healthy 2019 and beyond!

Step Away from the Scale

 

In our culture of “thinner is better”, the scale’s knowledge doesn’t stop at what we weigh; It’s become a measure of our self-worth. What’s worse? The number it shows, the one we hold in such high regard, is actually a pretty bad way of gaging health or progress!

We forget that the scale leaves out the most important information, and those who have been eating clean and exercising without seeing the number move can relate. It doesn’t tell you information such as body composition, lean muscle mass, and whether you’re getting faster and stronger as a result of your healthy lifestyle. More importantly, it doesn’t tell you about how inspiring, brave, kind, or intelligent you are!

This year, make your health a priority by putting the scale in its place and focusing on what matters.

Drink More Water

 

Most of us don’t drink enough fluids throughout the day (and no, coffee doesn’t count—sorry). But, if health is anywhere near the top of your list for 2019 goals, then upping your water intake is key.

Water helps your skin look healthy, flushes your bodies of toxins, helps maintain a regular digestive system, and keeps you feeling more alert during the day. If you don’t already own one you love, invest in a reusable water bottle and a tracking method (an app, water log, or section of your daily planner) to keep you hydrated + motivated!