Everyone should have these 5 New Year's resolutions!

The new year is just around the corner and this time everything will be different. That's how it sounds for many people at the moment. However, New Year's resolutions are often forgotten by the end of January. Today, we have five New Year's resolutions for you that will enrich your life and are worth sticking to.

Take some digital time out

Smartphones and social media are an integral part of our everyday lives. Answering messages, commenting on posts and quickly posting the latest pictures: the constant availability and flood of information stresses many people out. According to a study by DAK-Gesundheit, one in four people want to use their cell phone and computer less in the new year. In the 14 to 29 age group, it is even THE New Year's resolution par excellence: every second person wants to take a break from digital media consumption.

Instagram & Facebook are not only time wasters, but also promote dissatisfaction. Fascinating vacation pictures, well-toned bodies, perfect apartments - the constant comparison with others creates self-doubt and makes your own life look boring. So don't check Instagram and Facebook all the time and turn off notifications. To prevent yourself from being tempted in the first place, it's best to switch off your phone completely at certain times (e.g. after 8 p.m. or every Sunday).

Take care of your health

Our body is the most important thing we have. Living healthier is at the top of the list of the most popular New Year's resolutions. We think this should be more of a matter of course and top priority. Make sure that a balanced diet, regular exercise and enough time for relaxation become an integral part of your everyday life. Of course, this also includes avoiding toxins such as alcohol or nicotine. Take the time to shop for healthy food and cook for yourself. Focus more on plant-based and natural foods (e.g. fruit and vegetables, pulses, potatoes, salads). This way your body gets all the micro and macronutrients it needs. You also provide it with sufficient fiber and secondary plant substances.

Regular exercise is of course a must. To stay on the ball, think about which obstacles could deter you from your plan and how you react to them. Too cold? Find a sport that you can do indoors! Too little time? Try to move more in your everyday life (e.g. go for a walk during your lunch break or cycle more often)!

It is also helpful to set yourself fixed goals that you are working towards. This could be the city marathon in September, for example, or the 10 kilos you need to lose before your next summer vacation. The SMART rule is often used in connection with goals or plans. This states that goals should be specific, measurable, attractive, realistic and time-bound.

But health is more than just a balanced diet and regular exercise. When was the last time you went to your doctor for a blood test or skin cancer screening? If you can't answer this question or it's been longer than two years, it's high time for a new appointment in 2022.

Do something for the environment

Diluted seas, melting glaciers, endangered animal species and contaminated rivers - the consequences of our actions are devastating for the environment. For something to change, we all have to make a contribution. This is often not difficult at all: drink tap water, take a cloth bag with you when you go shopping and buy seasonal and regional food. Even small steps in the right direction can help. At Nutri-Plus, for example, we rely on eco-electricity. Maybe a switch would be something for you too?

The most effective contribution to environmental protection is avoiding animal products. If we stopped eating meat and milk, agricultural land could be reduced by 75% in 2022 and 60% of agricultural greenhouse gases could be avoided. What would it be like if you gave up animal products three days a week this year? Another great option is to take part in the Veganuary. The aim behind the project is to go vegan for the whole of January. Find out more here. Discover new foods and try out delicious plant-based recipes. The environment and your health will thank you for it.

Maybe you would like to go one step further and help an animal or environmental organization? Here you can see who we have supported this year with our 10% animal welfare campaign. In addition to donations, active help on site is of course also a great way to support environmental protection.

Look on the bright side

Life is wonderful and full of opportunities. Don't make it unnecessarily difficult for yourself and, above all, don't let others spoil it for you. A positive attitude towards other people and new situations is the best prerequisite for a happy and relaxed life. The colleague who is on the phone may have received unpleasant news this morning and the driver on the highway has just found out that his wife is in labor. The behavior of others rarely has anything to do with ourselves. So don't let it influence you too much and don't take it personally. You alone decide how you want to feel today. Of course, this also includes being more understanding towards yourself. No one is perfect. Therefore: learn from your mistakes and then tick them off.

One of your New Year's resolutions could be to keep a gratitude diary, for example. This method is particularly suitable if you are often dissatisfied. It reminds you of the positive things in your life and makes you aware of everything you have already achieved. Every evening, write down three things that you are grateful for that day.

Be more mindful

Watching a movie and liking followers on Instagram, typing a quick email during a phone call or taking the perfect picture for the next post at a concert. Sound familiar? Then you should make a change in 2022 and put „more mindfulness“ on your list of New Year's resolutions. We are often not in the here and now, but with our thoughts somewhere else entirely. This is extremely stressful in the long run. Instead of living in the moment, we think about what annoyed us this week or go through the to-do list for tomorrow. In the new year, try to focus on what you are currently doing and simply block out disturbing thoughts.

For example, create a little morning routine to start the day in a relaxed way. Whether it's yoga, reading or a cup of tea in bed. Take a few minutes just for yourself. Eat your meals without distractions and consciously pay attention to the taste, smell and consistency of your food. Meditation is also a great way to train mindfulness. Ideally, you should meditate at a fixed time every day. Start with five minutes and then slowly increase.

We hope you enjoy our New Year's resolutions and wish you a great start to the new year.

Sources

• Poore, T. Nemecek. Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science 2018; 360(6392):987-992
• https://www.dak.de/dak/download/pressemitteilung-gute-vorsaetze-2019-2038106.pdf