6 Wellness Practices to Try in 2024

Every New Year, it seems like the same patterns repeat themselves. Gym membership enrollment hits an all-time high, the health food sections of the grocery stores are packed, and everyone you know is on a health and wellness journey. While you may roll your eyes at the notion, the New Year is a great time to start fresh and focus on your physical and mental well-being. If you want to jump on board, here are six wellness practices to try in 2023.

1. Vitamins and Supplements

Even if you eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, nutritional gaps can still arise. This is why taking a daily multivitamin is always a good practice. If you are already taking a multivitamin, you may still have questions about all the available vitamins and supplements today. Influencers and fitness gurus are often paid a lot to promote these products. Make sure to research and discern when choosing which products or supplements you purchase.

2. Protect Yourself from Illness

Over the past few years, we have become more aware of what we can do to avoid illness. We all know that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep are all essential to protect your immune system. But it is also just as important to properly care for yourself if you fall ill at some point. Ensure you are doing at-home COVID tests before venturing into the world if you have any symptoms. Get plenty of rest, eat well or even try IV drip therapy to help speed up your recovery.

3. Getting Enough Sleep

If you struggled to get at least six to eight hours of sleep in 2023, prioritizing a good night’s sleep should be at the top of your list in the new year. Proper rest is required for all of the systems in our body to function correctly. Without it, you can become more susceptible to stress, illness, and mental health issues. If you struggle with sleep due to lack of time, find ways to prioritize making time for enough sleep. Getting six to eight hours each night is too important to pass up.

4. Reducing Stress

Reducing stress levels in your life is often easier said than done. But if you suffer from chronic stress, it can further cause adverse effects on your physical and mental well-being. The best thing you can do is try to find ways that you can better manage your stress. This can look different for everyone, depending on personal preferences. Try to make time to do things you know help relieve your stress, such as spending time with friends, playing video games, or going for a walk. Physical activity also reduces stress levels, so make time for it if you don’t already. Yoga and meditation are perfect for anyone looking to lower their stress levels. You can also try talk therapy if you feel like you cannot manage your stress levels with these methods..

5. Eating Healthy

Eating healthy is a simple process that can quickly get overwhelming. With so much information (and misinformation) on the internet, it cannot be easy to navigate health and wellness regarding diet. In 2024, ditch the fad or elimination diets and find something that works best for you. As long as you eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and includes all of the major food groups, you should be on the right track. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated, so take a simple approach that you can stick to in the long run.

6. Move Your Body

Exercise can be a drag for those with limited time in their schedules. There is also a common misconception that everyone must spend hours in the gym daily to benefit from physical activity. This, however, is far from the case. Finding ways to fit in movement each day will look different to everyone depending on your preferences, level of fitness, and daily schedule. The important thing is to find something that you can be consistent with. If that is walking your dog in the evenings, doing some yoga poses, or stretching a couple of times a week, then you are on the right track. Something is better than nothing, so find something you like and stick to it!

Finding Wellness in 2024

Try out some tips and tricks to help achieve health and wellness in the New Year. Make resolutions you can stick to and set yourself up for success. All it takes is a little effort to make 2023 your best year.

FAQs

How can I prioritize sleep?

Prioritizing sleep can be difficult, especially with busy schedules. To ensure you get enough rest each night, try to create a consistent bedtime and wake-up time for yourself. Ensure your bedroom is comfortable and free of distractions such as television or phone screens. Try to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption in the evenings, and if you can, avoid using electronic devices or looking at bright screens an hour before bedtime.

What are some tips for reducing stress?

Reducing stress levels can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to help manage it better. Start by taking time each day to focus on activities that help you de-stress, such as yoga, meditation, walking, or talking with friends. Spend time with people who make you feel good, and engage in physical activity during your free time to get endorphins flowing. Finally, speak to a professional about ways to reduce stress if needed.

What is the best way to eat healthily?

Eating healthy does not need to be complicated. Start by incorporating a balanced diet that includes all major food groups and ensure it is rich in nutrients. Avoid any fad diets or elimination plans, and find something you enjoy eating to stick to it long-term. Finally, ensure you are mindful of your portion sizes and always pay attention to how your body responds after consuming certain foods. This will help you determine what works best for you regarding dietary needs.

What are some simple ways to get in physical activity?

Getting in physical activity does not always require hours spent in the gym. Find something you enjoy doing and make it a habit. This could be walking your dog, riding a bike, or even doing some yoga poses each day. What matters is that you do something consistently and stick to it for long-term health benefits. Doing anything is better than nothing! So find a way to move your body that works best for you.