A new year means resolutions, change, and good intentions, many of which fall by the wayside before January is even over. Rather than going gung ho and making unrealistic resolutions, consider setting easily achievable goals that will fit neatly into your current lifestyle. After all, it’s the small things we do every day that make a difference, not what we occasionally do.

The wellness trend is here to stay, and it feels like everyone is pumped to stay on the bandwagon this year. Aside from the obvious reasons - like wanting to age well and avoid illness - there are so many reasons to create a healthy lifestyle, including increased energy, more zest for life, and management of current health conditions to name a few. Health is something we take for granted until we no longer have it – so we’re big believers in maintaining and appreciating your health in the present.

Easy, healthy habits to start in 2021

• Drink more water – carry a large drink bottle with you at all times. You can even get extra-large bottles marked with times of the day on the side as a goal (or write your own on a clear glass or BPA-free plastic bottle).

• Increase your vegetable intake. Don’t change anything else other than boosting your veggies, and you’ll be surprised at how good you feel. At each meal aim to fill your plate with vegetables and then add meat and good fats etc.

• Sugar is known to age us and promote illness. Decrease your sugar intake. If you’re in the habit of having a sweet treat in the afternoon for a pick-me-up, switch out refined sugary treats for fruit or a homemade raw treats like a bliss ball. Nuts are also an excellent option to boost good fats and keep you feeling full. Instead of a sweet breakfast like cereal, try a nut/seed granola (easy to make at home) with coconut yoghurt and berries.

• Add a collagen supplement to your morning coffee or tea. Two scoops of Adashiko peptide collagen can make all the difference, and not just for your skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is excellent for gut health, joint mobility, sleep, and recovery from exercise or injury.

• Rather than starting a gym membership that you may not continue with, start by aiming for 10-20 minutes of exercise per day. Walking, Tabata workouts, yoga, jogging, and stretching are all easy and free to do with no equipment necessary.

• If you’re a drinker, reduce your alcohol intake. Try cutting alcohol out during the week and limit it to the weekends, even for a few weeks to see how you feel. Experiment with delicious non-alcoholic alternatives, like kombucha and soda water fruit spritzers.

Level up: when you’re ready to do more

• Stress is a significant health risk. If you’re caffeine-fuelled and rushing around with too many tabs open in your brain (and on your computer), introducing some calm into your life is essential. Getting out in nature, meditating, yoga, and tai chi are all wonderful antidotes to the craziness of modern life.

• If you want to age well and look your best, start a simple yet effective skin care regime, and choose products that contain active ingredients. Adashiko Collagen + Noni gel is an excellent choice for all skin types to minimise the signs of aging, boost hydration, and protect the skin. Use morning and night, and don’t forget to wear SPF during the day.

• Keen to boost your fitness and get in shape? Signing up for a six or eight-week program could be the ticket. Boot camps or F45 training are intense but fun, and the group sessions will motivate you to push yourself harder. Even better – commit to going with a friend to keep yourself accountable. You’ll probably feel so good at the end of the challenge you’ll want to continue.

• Choose quality over quantity. If your budget allows it, switch some of your produce to organic. Avoiding processed, packaged items and sticking to whole foods means you bypass many of the nasty chemicals and additives lurking in modern food. If you have room at home, start a small veggie garden and enjoy delicious produce grown with love!

Whatever you decide to implement in the new year, take it slow and don’t try to change everything up all at once. If you find yourself derailed, don’t beat yourself up, just start again. Once you’re a week or so into new healthy habits, you’ll get a surge of motivation that will only increase as you see and feel the benefits of your efforts.

Here’s to a healthy 2021!

- Source: ADASHIKO