1. Exercise for two hours everyday
2. Eat unsweetened oatmeal in hot water
3. Use bus no. 11 all the time ... The list goes on
Good going! But didn't you make the same resolutions last year too? You didn't quite manage to keep them, did you?
Now before you chuck that list and give up on New Year's resolutions all together, you might want to take a look at the list of realistic resolutions we put together with the help of wellness expert, Dipika Mehta. We guarantee you will be on your way to a healthy 2009.
Wake up early
You will be surprised at how much a couple of extra hours and turn your day around. Your day will be longer and you will find it possible to do more fruitful activities besides sitting in the office.
Try just a single extra hour for starters and gradually increase it.
Remember, eight hours of sleep (ideally 10 pm to 6 am) is all you need. So the extra time you sleep is not doing you much good anyway.
Don't skip breakfast
Indulge in a power breakfast every morning. The best part is that a power breakfast requires no preparation. Rejuvenate your body and increase its vitality with plenty of fruits, vegetables and juices. It is a great power breakfast.
You might want to stay away from very oily foods like parathas, medu wadas etc. They tend to make your system sluggish.
Drink plenty of water
It is advisable to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water when you wake up in the morning. But if that's not possible, simply guzzle down water at intervals throughout the day.
Water helps to flush out toxins from the body and purify the system.
Get in touch with nature
Natural surroundings can be very refreshing and energising. They help you connect with your inner self.
Try something different every now and then – watch the sunrise from your verandah, listen to the birds chirping in the trees, take a stroll in the park, enjoy the sunset at the promenade.
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Listen to your body
Very often we fall sick or feel fatigued and exhausted because we ignore our body's signals.
When you feel hungry, you must eat. When you feel thirsty, drink water. When you feel tired, sleep. Ignoring your body's needs can ruin your body clock as well as its systems.
Stay active
Instead of resolving to exercise for two to three hours everyday, simply keep yourself on the move. Movement is life and activity will keep your energy flowing.
Get out of your lazy mode. Walk short distances instead of using your car.
Remove the guilt from eating
Enjoy whatever you eat, even if it is a burger and fries. Don't feel guilty about it.
Decide to eat what is good for you and what you enjoy. You will naturally start picking more healthy options and then the occasional burger and fries won't hurt as much.
Eat your last meal by 7:30 pm
You body's metabolism slows down after 8 pm. Hence, digesting food after this time becomes difficult.
Also, you should wait for at least two hours after you eat before you go to sleep. Ideally, go for a late evening stroll after your meal.
Do some yoga exercises
Yoga can be done anytime, anywhere. So you don't need to be dependent on a gym.
You may want to start with the surya namaskar. It ensures that all parts of your body are exercised. It also works on the various systems of the body, organs as well as muscles.
Don't be extreme
Most people make such rigid resolutions that they never land up keeping them.
The important thing is to strike the right balance in your lifestyle so that you don't take out the joy from healthy living. Never punish yourself. Instead treat your body with respect and enjoy every moment of your life.
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