New Year's Resolutions for a Healthy and Mindful 2019

New Year's resolutions are not for everyone... but you don't have to have a formal plan to be able to participate in a little self-care and wellness in 2019. Here are our tips for committing to a healthy and mindful new year.

Detox

Start the new year on the right foot. We tend to binge on food, drinks, and sugar during the holidays, which means not only weight gain but also sluggishness and toxic buildup. Make time for a good sweat session, be it hot yoga or a few minutes in the sauna. Drink lots of fresh juices and eat plenty of fresh vegetables, and consider supplementing with an herbal detoxification aid like the Ayurvedic triphala formula of ancient herbs Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. Not only does triphala help cleanse the liver, kidneys, and colon, but it also helps with digestion and maintaining regularity. Check out Elanveda's Triphala Cleanse supplement made with the highest quality 100% organic herbs.

Reduce time on social media

According to Psychology Today, few people are actually addicted to social media. For most people, it is a habit more than it is an addiction... meaning we're more in control than we think. Phew. But how do we break the habit? For one, keep an eye on your screen time. Many smartphones have a built-in app that tracks your screen time so you can make goals. Start by shaving off 30 minutes every week. It helps to make situational rules, like no scrolling while eating or before bed. It also may help to move your social media icons off the home screen of your phone - and to move them around often. That way, when you open your phone, you won't mindlessly click on those icons when you finish checking your email.

Eat more plants

According to The Guardian, limiting your meat and dairy consumption is the single best thing that you can do for the environment. Try cutting meat from just one meal a day or commit to meatless Mondays once a week.

Practice compassion

It is so easy to dismiss someone you don't know well as rude, cold, egotistical, or awkward - and even get yourself worked up over it. But what we perceive as rude may really be that this person is going through a trying time. What we perceive as egotistical may in reality be deep insecurity or low self-worth. When you catch yourself making an assessment about somebody, pause and make a conscious effort to change the narrative. Most of the time it's not personal. When we take a moment to step back and practice compassion, we can begin to approach interactions from a place of understanding, and in turn avoid frustration and negativity on our own part.

Meditate more

By now you've probably read about the many benefits of incorporating meditation into your daily life. If you've never done it before, try a guided meditation for beginners. We like the Head Space app which offers a free 10-day basics course. Find a dedicated spot in your home that offers peace and quiet, and you may even incorporate some soothing essential oils to deepen relaxation. Elanveda De-Strain is a convenient roll-on essential oil blend that's perfect for relieving tension, promoting relaxation, and improving focus during meditation.

Consume less sugar

In recent years, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions related to dieting and weight loss is to reduce sugar intake. In addition to promoting weight gain, sugar has also been shown to have negative effects on heart health, mental health, and even risk of cancer. A good place to start when you're weaning yourself off the sweet stuff is to kick the sugary drinks. Swap soda for naturally flavored carbonated water or DIY water infused with fresh berries or sliced citrus. Gradually lower the amount of sugar you put in your coffee or tea until you get used to the taste.

Waste less

Find yourself throwing away groceries at the end of the week? Save money, help the Earth, and eat more wholesomely when you make an effort to reduce food waste. Get creative: Carrot tops make great pesto. Stale bread makes great, long-lasting croutons. Fresh herbs that are on their last leg can be frozen year-round or  infused in olive oil for delicious dressings. Start a freezer bag for leftover chicken bones, onion and garlic skins, and vegetable ends, and make a nutritious bone broth on a rainy day.

What other resolutions do you have for a healthy new year? Share with us in the comments!