1. Reading

Reading is a great way to keep your mind sharp while also enjoying stories that movies and TV simply can’t duplicate (there’s no production budget on your imagination). There is a book or genre out there for everyone, since there is something for just about every topic. Take a trip to your local bookstore or library and see if anything piques your interest. If you haven’t picked up a book since high school, don’t feel bad about judging a book by its cover. If you see something that interests you, take it home and put it somewhere where you see it every day, and commit to small wins, like 1 page a day, and increase it over time. You’ll be flying cover to cover in no time! If you want to take it even further, join a book club or read a book alongside a friend or spouse. This gives you something to talk about and holds you both accountable.

2. Working out

I’m sure “workout out” for most of us conjures up thoughts of giant, muscular men with arms that look more like tree trunks than anything a normal person could achieve. But working out can be anything! Studies show that the body and mind are linked, and taking care of one takes care of the other. In other words, if you move your body, you move your mind. If finding a method of exercise feels daunting, don’t worry! We have a blog post for choosing an activity that works for you here.

3. Healthy Eating

Eating healthy is a huge component of staying healthy, and the new year is a great opportunity to start creating a diet that supports your body and mind. If you missed out blog post about healthy eating, consider checking it out. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to throw everything out of your pantry just yet. Start small by adding or substituting things into foods you already love. You could add some spinach to your breakfast burrito in the morning, or substitute rice for vegetables in your stir-fry. The key here is to make consistent, easy choices that make healthy eating a no-brainer.