It’s time for some ‘healthy resolutions’

dubai — The new year is here and like a number of resolutions that we have made, keeping a fitness goal should also be a priority.

Tips from Dr Anita Das Gupta, clinical dietitian at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, for a healthy start to a 2018 are — lose weight, exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet.

Interestingly, most of the people make new-year resolutions relating to health and diet, she says.

“Things like shopping smart and eating healthy can help us achieve our goals,” she adds.

Dr Lanalle Dunn, founder of The Chiron Clinic in Dubai, says that achieving personal balance is important too. “Prioritise goals and ask yourself ‘why’ achieving something is important,” she says.

Creating a quantifiable plan to achieve the goal is wise; for example “weight loss” is not actionable but “doing a yoga class twice a week and drinking more water daily” is specific and achieves the goal faster.

Weight loss is on almost everyone’s mind at this time of the year. “Too many of us sit for long hours, which is now considered “the new smoking”! Exercise helps to reduce stress levels, releases feel-good hormones known as endorphins, and improves sleep patterns

Speaking of sleep — are you getting enough? Less than eight hours a day has been shown to contribute to obesity, poor memory, reduced resilience to stress and even lowered immunity.

“Take a look at the quality of your sleep and how you can improve your slumber to improve emotional, mental and physical health. Take a long bath before bed or drink a cup of chamomile tea as part of your sleep hygiene,” says Dr Lanalle.

Enrich your mindset by counteracting every negative thought with a positive one. Research shows that mindset and overall approach to life have significant impacts on our health and well-being.

“If you are struggling with emotional issues and need more guidance, this is the best time to make the commitment to consult a counsellor or psychologist. Deep breathing and meditation also go a long way to achieving a positive outlook,” she adds.

Check your environment. Does your personal space reflect serenity and organisation, or is it cluttered and chaotic? Your environment at work and at home influence your mood, and your mood and physical health will reflect the environment around you.

“Spending time in nature is restorative and buffers against stress so taking a walk at lunch time or getting a nice plant in your office space will help lift your mood.”