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Here's the key — based on scientific research — to restarting a healthy routine for the new year!

We might look back at the fun holiday parties, but there's always a plan to move forward. Because after the parties, the large feasts, and all the nights you stayed up, you find yourself promising to start anew. You envision yourself back on track — laying off a few unhealthy habits and starting new ones. But when the actual moment comes, you realise you're not ready to jump right back. Sure, it's quite difficult to switch in just a snap but that's because no one ever really finds it easy to do so. It takes time and a lot of preparation. Give yourself the credit for even trying!

While a routine is a behaviour you do repeatedly, a habit is basically the action that signals your brain to automatically respond in a way, like how you put on a seatbelt after getting on a car. Since there are certain things you don't usually do but wish you did, then you'll have to form it into a habit. And research explains that the key to forming this habit lies in how much and how long you do it. To do so, you need to repeat these new habits consistently. This is to form long-term habits that will definitely benefit you.

Read more: Quarantine Routine: 5 Youtube Channels That Will Help You Keep Fit and Healthy

Even if we've already started our new routine, we're still prone to get sidetracked. Research shows that most of us find it difficult to keep going because of inconsistency in our motivations and attention. So here's a motivating fact to keep you on track: research has the key to forming new healthy habits that you can incorporate into your routine!

So here are ways to successfully form new healthy habits for a healthier new year:

Set A Clear Goal

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Simply think of your goal — do you want to eat healthier? Exercise better? Sleep earlier? Regardless, your goal must be something that you can use to motivate yourself every day to keep forming habits and consistently perform your daily routine. It'll be harder to do something if you're not passionate about the end result.

Get Proper Sleep But Don't Forget To Set An Alarm

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Sleep restarts your body clock — an important detail you shouldn't miss after staying up for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and all the other evenings you've spent Zoom partying. Research suggests that you should get at least seven or seven and a half hours of rest. So don't forget to set an alarm and refrain from staying too long on the bed once you wake up!

Read more: Having Trouble Falling Asleep? Try This Simple Stretching Routine

Plan Ahead Of Time

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Studies show that people always pick the easiest and most enjoyable option when making a decision, which can be bad for our health. It's like choosing to eat a doughnut instead of fruits for dessert and watching Netflix instead of running on the treadmill during a free time. So, it's better to plan out your day and stick to it, like preparing meals for the next day and scheduling a fun workout session with a friend.

Take It Slow And Make Small Changes

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Above Photo: Pexels

Don't overwhelm yourself further by doing everything all at once. Make minimal changes per day and take your time. Studies have shown how this strategy has worked one too many times and will definitely work on you as well! Have fun with the process and be patient with it. Next thing you know, ten weeks have passed and you've already formed healthy habits!

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