by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
Christmas is now well and truly behind us and 2023 has arrived all too soon. We enjoyed the seasonal holidays celebrating our first proper Christmas after 2 years of Covid upheavals, and we ate and drank well with family and friends. Having over indulged, what can we do to start January healthy and prepared to face the demands of the New Year.
Eat Healthy
Look at eating less meat this January, you will feel less bloated and you will be helping the environment with FAO data showing that 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to livestock farming. Chickpeas and lentils are good stock items and this chickpea lentil Bolognese is a great base recipe, you can omit the wine (for those doing dry January) you can add other ingredients and you can batch cook . My personal favourites are to do it one day with Moroccan spices and the next as a curry. Simply search for healthy winter recipes for ideas more suited to your own taste.
Move
Walk whenever possible and take the stairs rather than the lift. If you are thinking of more formal exercise, do something you enjoy, you will more likely continue doing it after January, and life is too short to do things you hate. Check out the This Girl Can website for information on activities. Even a five-minute stretch in the morning will prepare you for the day and another stretch in the evening will relax you for bed.
Less Alcohol
As already mentioned, some of you may be doing dry January and if you are not, try cutting back, according to the NHS in the short term you will
- feel better in the mornings
- be less tired and more energetic
- have better looking skin
- save money
“No alcohol” substitutes are getting better and of course you will benefit from drinking more water instead.
Be Positive
As always take care of your mental wellbeing, try to stay positive, focusing on being thankful for what you have and if it helps, avoid the bad headlines! Look for the little things that bring you joy instead. Each day do something just for you, perhaps some yoga or actually having a real break from work and remember you are enough!
Get More Sleep
Sleep is important and during the seasonal break you may have got into the habit of late nights especially as there was no work the next day. Recommit to getting more sleep by re-establishing your night-time routine. Remember your bedroom should be calm, dark and quiet and turn off the devices. Also, exercise during the day and less alcohol will help you find the land of nod.
While these tips should help you have a healthy January, hopefully you will find them useful for the rest of the year as well. The main thing to remember is whatever you do, make it enjoyable whether it be eating healthy or exercising. So here’s to a healthy happy 2023 doing things we love!!