5 small changes for big benefits in the New Year

The New Year is a reason to celebrate…

After all, it symbolizes a chance to start over and make new commitments. For many, it’s a time of strict dietary plans, new gym memberships and other tall orders.

Regardless of these ambitions, though, many of the resolutions people impose on themselves are a challenge to follow long-term. In most cases, when it comes to starting a new health program, the simpler the better.

Here are five manageable tips — each of which would make a worthy resolution — to help keep you in good health all year:

1. Drink more water

Since the average adults loses 10 cups of water every day during normal body function, drinking plenty of water every day — especially first thing in the morning — helps prevent chronic dehydration and inflammation. Water is essential for good health, so replace what you are losing by drinking purified water throughout the day. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your daily cup of water can add benefits by helping to cleanse your system.

2. Reduce refined sugar

Besides causing your metabolism and insulin levels to fluctuate wildly, sugar depresses your immune system and promotes inflammation in the body. In addition, reducing sugar intake from foods and drinks such as white bread, sweets and soft drinks may actually increase your energy.

3. Get more sleep

Try to get eight hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider a formula with pure honokiol, a natural calming extract from Magnolia bark that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. You may also want to consider supplementing with 5HTP, a precursor to serotonin production, which will improve your sleep patterns. Chronic sleep deprivation is detrimental to health and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and cancer, among other degenerative conditions.

4. Reduce stress

Consider alternative therapies such as massage, homeopathy and acupuncture for stress relief, the treatment of chronic health issues or as preventative medicine. Many find significant relief by complementing their current regime with time-tested, traditional therapies. These modalities are holistic in nature, meaning they have the potential to address all aspects of your being — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. One of the most significant and scientifically proven ways to reduce stress and depression is daily meditation practice.

5. Eliminate toxins

During the winter, most of us are more sedentary and our diets often lean toward heavy and indulgent. Overall, we tend to develop more acidity as circulation slows and our systems become a bit stagnant in the colder months. The New Year is an excellent time to start thinking about a revitalizing cleanse emphasizing alkalizing, anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables, plenty of hydration, gentle exercise and targeted detox supplements.

I’ll be presenting a free webinar on a unique model for detoxification and cleansing on January 26^th, offering in depth information and tools for eliminating toxic body burden and optimizing your body’s detox capacity.  Get more info here.

Renewing your commitments to health and vibrancy does not mean you have to engaging in extreme adjustments. Making simpler choices that fit your lifestyle while also addressing your health needs will allow you to set the stage for achieving the resolutions and goals that inspire you this year, and for years to come.

For more information about achieving vibrant health, visit www.dreliaz.org.