5 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for Happier and Healthier Living
If you’re like us, you probably came up with a few goals to tackle in 2019. Eating healthy? Check. Exercising more? Check. Spending quality time with the family? Check. Here are a few other good-for-you goals that you can easily tackle to kick off the new year. Some of these you can work into your daily routine to achieve balance and reduce stress, no matter what life throws at you.
1. Plan a vacation
People who go on vacation at least twice a year have a lower heart attack risk than those who vacation rarely. Thinking about an upcoming trip? Researchers have found that the mere acting of fantasizing or planning a vacation can boost happiness for weeks. So go ahead, pencil in that long weekend retreat at Suncadia with the family now.
2. Try hydrotherapy
Feeling sore? Hydrotherapy is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years and is proven to both energize and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxification. In fact, research shows that hydrotherapy may aid in muscle recovery more than a day of rest. On your next Suncadia visit, try the Swiftwater Seasonal Scrub at Glade Spring Spa. The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation to awaken softer skin, followed by a shower rinse in the Vichy or Vital wet room. It ends with the application of a rich moisture lotion to replenish dry and thirsty skin. For an at-home treatment, take a long soak in the tub or end a hot shower with a burst of ice-cold water.
Suncadia Home: The master bathroom of this luxurious home overlooking the Roper Rider Golf Course features a sunken tub for the ultimate at-home hydrotherapy session.
3. Prioritize sleep
Sleep, along with exercise and diet, are part of the three pillars of health. Yet, making a commitment to getting more Zzzs rarely makes it into New Year’s resolution lists. We think it should, and experts agree. In fact, improving sleep may help you to reach other goals, like eating better, exercising more or losing weight. Studies have found that losing sleep is associated with increased appetite (particularly for junk food), feelings of fatigue (it’s hard to exercise when you’re tired) and unhealthy dietary choices (like hitting the drive thru for dinner). Try keeping a simple sleep diary, recording when you go to bed and when you get up, to give you an idea of your current habits and where you could improve them. Another idea is to create a sleep-friendly environment in the bedroom. For example, take out a TV if you have one and instead create a peaceful and soothing sanctuary that promotes rest.
Suncadia Home: The master bedroom in this luxurious home features a fireplace, heated floors and earthy tones.
4. Explore new hobbies
When researchers followed 7,500 people for 25 years, they found that those who complained of major boredom were roughly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. So guess what? It’s time to shake up your routine—whether that means trying a new way to exercise at the gym or maybe skipping the gym and hitting the trails or taking an art class. Whatever you end up doing, make it fun and you’ll find that your outlook on the day will be sunnier. Never tried snowshoeing or snowmobiling? Sign up for a guided tour at the Concierge desk. Or check out our Winterfest Guide for more ideas.
5. Spend less time on your phone
Quick, how much time would you say you spend on your device? If you easily lose track, it probably means you’re on your phone or tablet longer than you’d care to admit. And while we’re not saying you should delete all your social apps (the horror!), we do recommend making an effort to trade screen time for some old-fashioned IRL time—that’s In Real Life, for the uninitiated. That might look like putting down the phone and setting out on a hike with the kids. Or walking the dogs without your phone to really take in the beauty of nature. Or simply hosting a backyard soiree with family and friends. Instagram and Facebook can wait!
Suncadia Home: This rustic modern cabin is designed for families who love the outdoors as much as socializing at home. It features a great room with a fireplace and plenty of outdoor space—including a covered patio and viewing platform—for entertaining year round.