Making your New Year’s resolutions count Part 3
When people start making New Year’s resolutions, it takes them roughly either two weeks to forget them or two weeks to turn them into habits. The goal of this series is to get us to learn a habit or two for a week and then add another one that contributes to our health. Why this way? Because getting healthy is like eating an elephant; you have to do it one bite at a time. The first two were: 1. Long-term consistency over short-term intensity 2. Be thankful This week we will talk about two things that we often neglect when we are trying to live a healthier life: 1. Staying more hydrated 2. Walking more Why is hydration so important? Well, for one, water constitutes about 70 percent of our body mass and is responsible for a myriad of our body’s functions. It aids in digestion, keeping blood volume up, ensures kidney and the liver are functioning well, keeps us alert, allows us to concentrate better, etc.
How do we hydrate better? Aim to drink half a liter after waking up, and eight ounces each hour. During exercise, it is wise to hydrate every 15 minutes to be able to perform better. To check hydration status, you can always check the color of your urine. Dark colors equal poor hydration status; lighter colors equal better hydration.
Walking is one of the most neglected forms of exercises. Because for one, it’s very simple. How is something so simple so good for us? Walking works on the aerobic system, and walking is of the exercise intensity that might utilize the most fat instead of muscle glycogen. And you don’t have to go to the gym to do it. In fact the homework I give almost all my octogenarian clients is to aim to walk at least 30 minutes each day.
For some people, walking is enough to strengthen their legs and their heart. It’s even better if you can walk outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. But in the city, walking around in the mall should do.