Texas Living

4 Steps to a Healthier and Happier 2016

By Haley Shapley 1.6.16

If you’re like most Americans, one of your New Year’s resolutions is to lead a healthier life in 2016. Here are four tips for getting the year started off on the right foot:

Establish good sleeping habits. A restful night’s sleep sets a good tone for the entire day, so don’t skimp on your shut-eye. To create the best possible environment, keep your room cool — between 60 and 67 degrees — and make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable, recommends the National Sleep Foundation.

Fine-tune your eating patterns. Dining out doesn’t have to be a disaster. If you start with a salad, select nutritious sides, and ask for items to be baked or broiled instead of fried, you can eat well when you eat out at restaurants.

Shake up your exercise routine. If you don’t have one, start moving! For every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy for some people may increase by two hours. If you’re a regular exerciser, try something new: Take a barre class, enter a local 5K, or learn a martial art. Variety is the spice of life, and you may end up finding an activity you really enjoy.

Safeguard against sickness. It’s never fun to be sick. While we’re all under the weather sometimes, there’s plenty you can do to keep germs at bay. Commit to washing your hands thoroughly (that means at least 20 seconds, each and every time), cleaning your desk (which harbors more germs than you want to know about), and more smiling — it’s proven to boost immunity!

Is one of your resolutions to be more organized in the New Year? Start 2016 on the right foot by reading the home tidying tips in our monthly checklist!

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation. © 2016 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance