6 things you absolutely need to get healthier than ever in 2021

While working in a full-time office role, Jitin made sure to take small bursts of movement by taking stairs, taking a stroll along the office premises after lunch, and walk to his colleagues for that short discussion. But when the work from home started, his movements started to flunk. He only recognised that it is time to get back to a healthier routine when chronic back pain and digestion problems started to impact his daily routine.  

If you are also one of those people who feel that 2020 badly affected their physical and mental health, take a step back and think, are you motivated enough to make 2021 the healthiest year of your life? Echoed a “Yes” from your inside? Then do read further to know how to have a healthy and happy new year in a true sense. 

Here are 6 things you certainly need to do to get healthier than ever in 2021:

1. Do not forget the pandemic isn’t over yet
   First things first. If 2020 was about survival, 2021 is going to be about endurance. We have to make sure that we continue keeping all the precautions needed to save yourselves from COVID-19. Stay at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Avoid crowds. Do wear masks while you are heading out for a public place. And, do not ignore COVID-19 testing if you or a loved one show symptoms of the infection. Also, wash your hands often.
    
2. Redefine exercise and workout
   You certainly do not need to hit the gym for achieving your exercise goals. Just invest a little bit of time with yourself. Analyze if you really like working out indoors or outdoors. Pick up one activity you absolutely love and pair your daily dose of exercise with that. You can listen to your favorite podcast while using the treadmill at home, or you can do stretching exercises while cooking that recipe you love.
    
3. Set a health goal and track it 

Setting goals hold relevance not only in professional life but also in personal day-to-day life. You must know what you are aiming for. This goal or health number need not always be a weight loss goal. The idea is to feel healthier and stronger inside out. It can be having a healthy hemoglobin count, achieving better blood sugar values, or getting your cholesterol levels on track.

1. Give enough importance to your health
   The previous year has taught us about the importance of a healthy body and mind. Let’s embrace this learning and carry it forward this year too. Ensure to take loads of immunity-boosting foods, avoid eating junk food items, do not ignore any of the symptoms that might be causing unknown harm to your body, and very important, check with your doctor and know about how frequently you should take a complete body health test. Do not be one of those who only take a health test when something is wrong. Take control and look for health test packages that are curated to suit your age requirements in advance.

Amid the fast-paced life and sedentary routine, it has become quite common to fall prey to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. Regularly seeing your doctor and getting health tests done can help detect potential health issues before they become chronic conditions and allow you take right steps well within time. You can get the right treatment quickly and avoid any complications.
 

1. Prepare to fail. It is part of succeeding
   Your mental health needs attention too. Do not punish yourself if you missed sticking to a new routine- whether it's eating less sugar or learning something new at the job. Mental health experts say the key is to accept failure as a part of the process. Acknowledge the fact that at some point you might mess up, things might not fall in the right place. Just keep patience, get back to taking steps toward your goal, and don't beat yourself up.
    
2. Get enough sleep
   Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night. For a healthier sleep, be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. What happens when you don’t get enough sleep? Sleep not only affects your productivity and emotional balance but your brain and heart health, immune system, creativity, vitality, metabolism and weight also. No other activity imparts so many benefits with so little effort! Make sure to keep your cellphones aside at least 1 hour before you hit the bed. The blue light from screens interferes with quality sleep and disrupts your sleep schedule.

The final message
No doubt 2020 had been tough for many of us, but not giving up to the hardship is what we humans are known for! Let us convert the negative experiences into positive light, and welcome 2021 with an energized spirit, where we all and our loved ones enjoy good health- both physical and mental.  

Wish you a very happy and happy new year 2021! May you be the healthiest version of yourself, this year.