If the ‘new year new me’ approach hasn’t been fruitful so far, why not try the ‘new decade-new me’ one? Everyone has something they would like to change about themselves, so why not start now? The first thing you could do is incorporate a few good habits into your life and become a stronger, vital and healthier person in the first year of the new decade. If this sounds like a wise move, here are a couple of steps you should take to be closer to your goal. 

Drink one extra glass of water a day

With our chaotic schedule and busy lifestyles, we often forget to do one simple thing, and that is to drink water. Proper hydration keeps your temperature normal, lubricates your joints, protects sensitive tissues in your body and gets rid of wastes through sweat and urination. Therefore, it is extremely important to drink a couple of glasses of water every day even if you don’t feel thirsty. If water seems too boring, you can always add flavor to it with lemon, cucumbers, or herbs. 

Go for a 10-minute walk every day

Instead of spending those minutes staring at your phone or watching TV, go outside and take a walk around the neighborhood.  This small change in your lifestyle can benefit both your body and your mind, so give it a go. 

Exercise

How many times have you said that you will regularly work out, starting Monday? And then Monday comes and you have already found hundred other things you would rather do than exercise.  Keep in mind that physical activity helps keep your weight in control, fights off chronic diseases reduces stress and boosts your mood, so get up and start moving! Of course, working out doesn’t have to involve hours at the gym. You can also exercise at home using these fitness essentials and make your life less sedentary without spending a penny on pricy memberships.

Go offline

Have you noticed just how many hours a day you spend holding a phone in your hand? Of course, you should check those messages from your friends and family, but do you really need to see what some stranger on Instagram had for dinner? Our phones are smart, but don’t let them make you stupid. These gadgets are extremely useful, as long as you know when enough is enough. When you have done all the really important things that involve using your phone, log off, put it down and focus on other stuff such as reading or sharing a meal with friends. 

Work on your posture

It is never too early to start working on your posture, so try to focus on sitting up straight on a daily basis. This way you will prevent aches and pain, reduce stress on your ligaments and even boost your confidence.  Although you will have to use notes or scarves to remind yourself to sit up straight in the beginning, in time it will become an unconscious habit. 

Go to bed on time

Maybe you prefer to binge-watch your favorite shows late at night, but getting a good night’s sleep is essential for good heart health and high energy levels. Therefore, turn off your TV and try to go to bed earlier. 

Quit smoking

That is if you are a smoker. This could be your biggest step toward better health and your body will start to recover 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Amazing, right? In less than half an hour your heart rate and your blood pressure will drop and after one month, your lung function will begin to improve.  

With these new habits, you could really turn your life around in 2020.

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