The new year brings an occasion for people to set targets and goals for things they wish to achieve in the year ahead, and for many these will be related to their health.
Making sure you do these four things throughout the year will help you to lead a healthier life.
Eat a balanced diet
“Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best,” said the NHS.
As part of a balanced diet, health experts advise eating a wide variety of foods in certain proportions.
This includes five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, some dairy or dairy alternatives, some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein, starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta, and small amounts of unsaturated oils and spreads.
Cut down on saturated fat and foods and drinks which are high in sugar and drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Exercise
Health officials advise doing both aerobic and strength exercises each week.
For adults aged between 19 and 64, this could comprise 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity and strength exercises on at least two days.
Examples of moderate aerobic activity include cycling and brisk walking, while vigorous aerobic activity includes things like running or tennis.
Get enough sleep
According to the NHS, most adults need around eight hours of sleep a night.
Not getting enough sleep can not only make you tired and grumpy, but can also reduce concentration and productivity, while increasing the risk of serious health problems.
“Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes – and it shortens your life expectancy,” said the NHS.
“It’s now clear that a solid night’s sleep is essential for a long and healthy life.”
Quit smoking
Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of having a stroke, developing heart disease and certain cancers.
According to the NHS, half of all long-term smokers die early from smoking-related diseases, but people who quit smoking by the age of 30 can add 10 years to their life, while stopping smoking before 60 will add three years.
“It’s never too late to benefit from stopping. Being smoke-free not only adds years to your life, but also greatly improves your chances of a disease-free, mobile, happier old age,” said the NHS.