With more than half of 2023 flying past us, most of our New Year’s Resolutions have been locked up in some dark corner of the hippocampus, collecting dust. I’ll admit, I didn’t even bother coming up with a New Year’s Resolution this year, for I always end up breaking it within one month.

A survey conducted by Forbes Health on various New Year’s Resolutions produced results such as maximum people citing improved mental health as a top resolution (45%), followed by improved fitness (39%). Both of these aspects relate to the topic discoursed since times immemorial — health.

So, what does truly constitute a healthy lifestyle? Is it multiple hours at the gym in a day, or trying out the newest fad diet while chasing the latest, society-constructed ideal figure? I definitely disagree that it’s either of those.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In my opinion, on a broader spectrum, health is a basic right and the key to a safe, complete life.

However, I believe, health to me could vastly differ from health to someone else. My goals with respect to health today will also differ from my goals tomorrow. Overall, though, I think we all must take care to nourish ourselves with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise for the body along with the mind.

Starting with the seemingly trivial (yet incredibly effective) habit, washing your hands. Thorough washing of hands helps one avoid the most recent bug going around.

Eating an assortment of fruits, vegetables, protein and carbohydrates is definitely recommended by everyone. Switching up the fruits consumed every day not only provides a wide range of nutrients, but also keeps you from getting bored of eating the same thing!

Staying hydrated is an essential and easy action. Medical News Today shares the plethora of benefits of drinking water with us, such as its paramount importance for many bodily functions, such as lubricating the joints, delivering oxygen throughout the body, and preventing kidney damage. An added bonus is the healthy, clearer skin.

While getting enough rest might be lower on our priorities, sleep is a must for an improved health and mood. A good night’s rest improves brain performance, initiates repairs in one’s body and maintains your immune system. As your early-to-bed sleeper, I can assure you that the lack of sleep makes me excessively short-tempered and unfocused. Sleeping for at least 8 hours for the past year has definitely made me more productive during the day and ready to combat everything that comes my way.

One thing we all neglect these days is blowing off steam and taming stress. Long term stress often turns into the root of many heart-related diseases. The amount of hormonal fluctuation can cause devastating results, to boot. The Monday Campaigns aptly describes reducing stress as ‘taking a weight off your shoulders’. It has been found that stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or meditation can help lower inflammation in the gut and relax your digestive system as well as your mind.

We all know that exercising has both immediate and long-term benefits. A consistent practice of yoga or any sport strengthens your bones and muscles, and leaves you with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Movement releases your natural feel-good brain-chemicals, endorphins. Personally, I’m inclined towards running. Over the last few years, I’ve seen the immense progress I’ve made; just the thought of it makes me flush with pride! Additionally, regular exercise improves memory, protection against chronic illness, and improved sleep-quality.

Lastly, checking in with your healthcare physician is a tested method of catching any problems in the early stages, when they’re more straightforward in terms of treatment. William Shakespeare did not err when he said, “Our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners.” Let us all garden our bodies well!