Do you want to live a healthier life? Probably yes.

But why?

In an everyday rush, we don’t even ask such questions. But now it’s a perfect time to answer it.

Find your why, and taking care of your health will become easier.

Maybe your reason is simple: you want to live healthier to look better (although looking good isn’t the same as being healthy).

But maybe you want to live healthier to improve your sleep and feel better during the day. You may want to have a better physical condition because you want to go for long trekking in the Alps and enjoy picturesque views.

If you have negative experiences in your family, like your parents’ or grandparents’ health problems, they may become your why.

Whatever reason you have, find it at think about it regularly.

When it comes to health, many people have an all-or-nothing attitude. They spend all mornings at the gym, eat clean, buy tons of supplements, etc.—or they give up physical exercise completely, eat junk food, etc. Phase 1 usually happens at the beginning of every year, but it’s hard to maintain, so everything goes back to “normal” (that is, Phase 2) after a few weeks.

Of course, we usually want to have it all: change our lives entirely and become a totally new person. It’s not impossible, but it would take an enormous amount of self-discipline and mental strength. Most of us would have to sacrifice other life areas to make this happen.

Instead of trying to achieve unrealistic goals, take one step at a time. Whenever you plan to start your new, healthy lifestyle (I guess it’s now, after eating tons of food during Christmas 😉 ), prepare a list of small steps that would lead you toward your goal. Reaching these tiny goals, one by one, will give you a motivation boost, which is much needed during significant life changes.

As it is with career or productivity, nothing will probably happen if you don’t set specific goals. Without them, the line between success and failure becomes blurred, and it’s hard to keep discipline.

If you plan to lose some weight, don’t leave your goal like that. Instead, have a specific number of kilos/pounds you want to get rid of or a piece of clothing you’d love to fit in.

If you plan to run regularly, then make it clear what “regularly” means to you. Is it once a week or three times a week?

If you want to eat more vegetables, then specify how much veggies in your diet will be good enough. Make a meal plan or decide to add a veggie to every meal.

I can show you more examples, but you know the drill. Having clear goals will make it easier for you to stick to your resolutions. Besides, you’ll have less decision fatigue because whenever the doubt comes in, you’ll know what to do.

You are what you eat. It’s as simple as that.

I’m a foodie, and I’ve definitely had my share of culinary sins. Although I’ve never been into sodas or any type of junk food, I enjoy eating delicious meals in nice restaurants, try local food and drink when I travel (and I travel a lot!), have an occasional glass of wine, etc.

I don’t force myself to give up on delicious food because that would limit my joy of living 😉 Nevertheless, I try to eat healthy 80 percent of the time, which works well for me.

Keep in mind that eating healthier may be challenging at first, but it becomes a habit after a while. Therefore, you should think long-term instead of making drastic short-term changes.

Having a sweet tooth? Find healthier sugar alternatives. Forgetting to eat enough veggies every day? Buy them regularly and place them on the counter instead of putting them in the cabinet, out of your sight. Not drinking enough water? Have a water bottle always with you, and when you work, have it on your desk.

Whatever your weak spot is, find it and work around it.

One of my 2020 resolutions was to get back on the tennis court. I played tennis as a kid and loved it then, so I wanted to find out if I would enjoy it now. Guess what—I still love it!

Returning to regular tennis games proved to be beneficial. My physical condition and muscle strength improved. My energy levels went up and getting better with every week boosted my confidence. I still have so much to improve, but I’m glad that I rediscovered the discipline I forgot I loved.

Staying fit is easier if you have an activity you really enjoy. When training is a pleasure, you want to make it again and again. Then, you can see the positive results, and it keeps you going.

Try to find a sports discipline or an activity you’ll love. I believe anyone has something. Maybe you’re not a fan of popular activities like running or yoga, but when you search long enough, you’ll find your thing.

Even if you’re really not a fan of regular training at the gym or different sports disciplines, then just find time to move more: go for a long walk with a dog, walk around your apartment when you’re talking on the phone, do ten sit-ups every hour when you have office work, go up and down the stairs instead of taking a lift, etc.

There’s this saying that “sitting is the new smoking”. Most people really spend too much time sitting at a desk, in a car, or in front of a screen. And this is a huge problem because a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to many health issues, like low back pain, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, migraines, some types of cancer, as well as sight problems, depression, anxiety … The list goes on.

Moral? Just move more, anytime, anywhere you can.

Your immune system is the guardian of your body. It fights disease-causing pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites; and removes them from our body. That’s why you should make sure that it works well all the time.

The recipe is simple: maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, reduce stress.

(Simple but not easy, right? 😉 )

Include into your diet food that boosts your immune system, like garlic, citruses, fermented foods, healthy fats, etc. Limit sugars, keep your vitamin D levels up, drink enough water.

And go for a sauna session once in a while. Yes, boosting your immune system can be pleasant 😉