12 Health resolutions for 2012

To bring in 2012 with a health bang, here are 12 resolutions for the mind, body and soul

Zoha Tapia

Posted On Wednesday, December 28, 2011   

Go for your health checkups
A lot of tend to ignore are health, either by citing time constraints or because we feel nothing is wrong with us. This year, let us give our body first priority and go for an annual health check up. For women do make time for a breast exam and pap smear and for those with problems make sure you get your important tests, like blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, done from time to time.

Quit smoking
We all have said it an umpteenth amount of times that smoking is bad for health. In 2012, let all the non-smokers and smokers come together to make this world and our body's smoke free. While non-smokers can lend the necessary support, the smokers need to make a plan to kick the butt. Click here for a three step plan to stop smoking.

Protect yourself
Protect yourself from seasonal diseases by getting yourself vaccinated. Click here for the vaccines that would be useful to you and your family in 2012.

Don't indulge in self medication
This year a lot has been said about anti microbial resistance, which has made most viruses immune to the medicines we usually take. Lets do our bit to stop this by taking drugs and medicines only when prescribed and to desist from self-medication. A wrong medicine can make the situation worse at times, so always buy and have medicines as per your doctors advice.

Exercise for 45 minutes daily
The benefits of exercise are endless from losing weight to increasing your bone density and muscle mass to releasing endorphins and so on. Hence, to keep diseases at bay and to live a healthy lifestyle, all you need to do is reserve 45 minutes of your time for some exercise. Join a gym or a dance class, run, walk or use the stairs… there are many ways to stay fit. 

Spend more time outdoors
In this digital world, lets give our eyes and body a break from the compute screens and televisions and venture oudoors. Go for a stroll in the park or start playing an outdoor game. Plan your holidays on the country side or go for a trek or a hike. 

Eat healthy 
A healthy diet goes a long way. So stop yo-yo dieting and maintain a balanced meal plan. Have 5-6 mini meals and ensure you get your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Cut down on the oil, fried and processed food and maida. Keep one cheat day during the week so you don't feel deprived and a bit of dark chocolate is good for health, so indulge your sweet tooth at times. 

Drink healthy fluids
Thirst often masquerades as hunger and many a times we tend to ignore the need of hydrating ourselves. So, let us promise ourselves this year to drink our 12 glasses of water and to add to that a few refreshing healthy drinks like fresh fruit juices or limbu paani during the day. For those of you who drink, don't stop but cut down on the alcohol and limit your intake to twice a week.

Pamper your skin
Being healthy is not only about feeling good but also looking good. So take care of your skin and hair as much as you would take care of the rest of your body. Pamper your skin with suitable moisturises and go for your monthly face cleanups. When it comes to your hair wash it daily with a compatible shampoos and indulge in some oil massages and hair spas.

Sleep for 7 hours
Unbroken, peaceful sleep is important for your mind and body to function well. So get yourself into the routine to sleep for seven hours at night and avoid having alcohol or caffeine around those times along with avoiding those tempting but not so healthy midnight snacks. 

Relax
In today's fast paced life, stress seems to be something everyone is suffering from. It can lead to poor digestion, a weak immune system, high blood pressure and not to mention the mental strain. Drop the load of your shoulders once in a while and de stress with some breathing exercises, meditation or maybe a spa treatment.

Build your support network
Meaningful relationships are the much needed support system we need for mental and spiritual peace. This year lets invest more of our time in developing and nurturing the relationships we share with our family and friends, thus prioritising our heart over our mind.