As 2021 draws to a close (and what a year it’s been), our thoughts have already started turning to 2022 and all the things we’d like to do, change, and achieve in the year to come. No, this isn’t a “New Year, New Me” approach, but more of a “New Year, new wellness habits, happier me” mentality.
Because at the end of the day, and at the end of every year, we want to feel like we’re doing what’s best for ourselves and our wellness, for those around us, and for the world at large.
We’ve found a list of healthful habits and little well-being changes that we want to make in the coming year.
Often, when it comes to resolutions, people talk about setting SMART goals, but in 2022, we’re going to be a bit kinder and a bit easier on ourselves. We’ll do what we can, and we’ll be nice to ourselves on those times when we don’t quite manage.
And here’s the other thing – we don’t need to do all the resolutions at once. We can pick and choose which of these wellness goals we want to give a go, for just a short time or even a longer commitment, and spend 2022 discovering what makes us feel more energised, optimistic, and vibrant.
Check out some of our 2022 wellness goals below and see which ones you’d like to try too!
Start the day with daily affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that you can use to motivate yourself, overcome negative thoughts, and focus on what you really want. The idea is that by repeating them each day, it reinforces the message until you really believe it. Lots of people say them in the morning while looking in the mirror, so that’s what we’re going to do too. You can say things like, “Today will be a great day”, “I am confident”, and “I can handle anything that comes my way”.
Add more fruits and vegetables into your diet
We all know that we should be aiming to follow a healthy diet, full of a range of fruit and veg. Start by making little changes. Find ways to add more vegetables and fruits into your meals, up the different types of veg in each meal, and try snacking on fruit instead of biscuits.
Be mindful of your sugar intake
Too much sugar in your diet can lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay, so if you’ve got a weakness for sweetness, 2022 might be the year to do something about it. If you put sugar in your tea or coffee, try adding a little bit less each time, until you can cut it out completely, as well as eating fewer desserts and replacing those sugary snacks with healthier alternatives
Drink more water
From boosting your energy levels and metabolism to hydrating your skin and aiding digestion, there are so many benefits to drinking water. Start your day with hot water and lemon, keep a jug of water on your desk, and carry a reusable water bottle in your bag when you head out and about.
Use more green beauty products
We often think about what our beauty routine will do to our complexion, without taking the time to think about its impact on the world. Green beauty means that products are sourced, made, and packaged in a sustainable way. Even incorporating one green beauty product into your routine will help make a difference.
Incorporate more activity into your day
Staying active is good for your mental and your physical health, but being active doesn’t just mean that you have to don your Lycra and sweat it out at a HIIT class. Get off the bus a stop earlier, take the stairs, walk to the shops, dance around your bedroom – just find something you can manage and that you enjoy!
Fill your house with green plants
Not only do plants improve the quality of the air in a room, but they’re also proven to have a calming effect. And there’s nothing quite like the sense of achievement of keeping a plant alive. We’re not going to be turning our homes into jungles anytime soon, but we’ll definitely be going greener around the home in 2022.
Meditate
Meditation is often one of those things that we know we should do but then never make the time in our day to do it – but we really should, because meditation helps to reduce stress, improves focus, and regulates your mood. So in 2022, we’re going to start, and start small. Just one minute of meditation often, and then we’ll aim for two, and then three, and let’s see how we go!
Less screen time
We’re very rarely without our phone in hand or nearby these days, but in 2022, we’re aiming for a bit of digital detox. Too much time on our phones/tablets/computers has an impact on our sleep quality, levels of depression and anxiety, and problems associated with our posture. There are apps you can download which lock you out of certain social media apps after a certain period of time, and we’re going to try our best to not use screens for half an hour (at least) before bed.
Prioritise your gut health
Your gut plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. It keeps your natural defences strong, prevents those pesky digestive problems, and contributes to the overall health of your body. This complex collection of organs works together to make sure you’re getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need. So, take care of your gut health by stocking up on prebiotic foods such as onions and garlic and opt for wholegrain, fibre-packed pasta, and bread.
Boost your immunity
Our bodies need vitamin D to stay healthy, from supporting our immune system to maintaining our bone and muscle health. In the winter months, it’s not possible to get vitamin D from sun exposure so, try supplementing with dietary sources of vitamin D such as oily fish, eggs, some mushrooms, fortified foods like breakfast cereals and supplements. You could also make Yakult Light a part of your daily routine as it is enriched with vitamins D and E. Plus each bottle contains 20 billion of Yakult’s unique bacteria scientifically proven to reach the gut alive.