We all know how easy it is to overindulge during the holidays. That’s why we’ve put together six simple habits that will help you feel healthier, increase your energy levels, and set you up for a great year.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Your body functions best when it’s hydrated. Drinking plenty of water flushes out toxins and excess sodium (salt). It also helps ease constipation.

Eat fiber-rich foods

During the holidays it was probably more of a challenge to stick with your regular eating habits. Your intake may have included foods with high sugar content and less fiber, especially if you were eating a lot of processed foods.

Eat regularly

During the holidays it’s more challenging to stick to a schedule. You should be eating breakfast within an hour of waking up and eating every three to five hours throughout the day. Start your day with a healthy meal, not one packed with sugar. Evenly spaced meals will help regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels and level out your appetite.

Get enough sleep

It’s really important to get the right amount of sleep. If you have some catching up to do that’s ok. But also make sure you’re not oversleeping.

Plan to exercise

If your exercise plan went out of the window, it’s time to get back on track. If you’re struggling to get back to your routine there’s no harm in creating a plan. Your workout regime will depend on your health, age, diet, schedule, and goals. If the weather is preventing you from heading outdoors you could walk in the mall or follow a workout on YouTube at home.

Be kind to yourself

If your intention is to improve your overall health in 2019 don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it one step at a time. You can make big improvements to your diet by making small changes. If you’re not used to working out start slow; take a walk around the block during your lunch hour, kick a ball around the park with the grandkids, or find a beginners exercise class on YouTube. When it comes to your diet the best policy is eat a balanced one with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, not too much sugar or saturated fat, lots of fiber, and don’t forget protein.