Why not take advantage of the arrival of the New Year, an ideal time for good resolutions, to decide to improve the aspects of our lives that we do not like or that harm us? Let's see how. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that maintaining a healthy diet, a normal weight, and some physical activity throughout life could prevent a third of cancer cases. On the other hand, an inadequate diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking cause up to 80% of premature coronary heart diseases. Moreover, in recent years, cases of depression and anxiety, the consumption of tranquilizers, the suicide rate, and separations have increased. We recommend: The best remedies for stomach pain In light of this data, lifestyle habits should aim to feel better about oneself, enjoy simple pleasures (eating with family, taking a walk on the beach, chatting with a friend), and learn to relativize other aspects that sometimes prevent us from enjoying what is important. For this reason, we present our particular proposal for 6 healthy resolutions for the year 2015. 1. Eat better (healthy and balanced) The goal is not to lose weight or maintain "the figure," but rather the objective of a balanced diet is more ambitious: to prevent certain diseases and strengthen our defenses. If nutrition is inadequate, it can lead to ailments such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bone and joint disorders, and some types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Additionally, poor nutrition also affects our energy level and mood. To eat properly and maintain a normal weight, it is important to provide the body with the necessary nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in the right proportions. In this sense, the Mediterranean diet is the most accepted and is considered the most complete, as it includes all the necessary foods for healthy and balanced eating (cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, olive oil). It is important to reduce the intake of saturated fats (pastries, cold cuts, butter…) and include more antioxidants (fruits and vegetables). We recommend: How to substitute salt in your dishes 2. Drink more water The body needs hydration, which is why it is important to drink water (about two liters daily). Additionally, it helps eliminate accumulated toxins and improves kidney function. Throughout the day, it is advisable to drink about eight glasses of water; it is also very healthy to drink two on an empty stomach. It should be noted that upon waking, we have gone many hours without drinking, so it is advisable to consume, in small sips, one or two glasses of water (this will help us hydrate and eliminate toxins). Infusions, broths, and natural fruit juices are also beneficial. We recommend: How to have a flat belly in three days 3. Stay active In a healthy life, physical exercise should not be missing, as among its many benefits are increased muscle elasticity, heart protection, strengthening the immune system, and greater pulmonary and cerebral oxygenation. Furthermore, regular practice helps to sleep better and boosts mood thanks to the release of certain hormones, endorphins, responsible for the sensation of well-being. It is not necessary to train with high intensity; it is enough to introduce small changes aimed at improving physical condition. An active life is already beneficial, but if we also add some type of moderate and regular exercise (at least three times a week), we will increase its benefits. It should be noted, however, that when starting a sport, it should be done gradually, as overly intense exercise without being accustomed to it could harm us. We recommend: Remedies for a hangover 4. Quit smoking Perhaps the most impactful way to demonstrate why it is important to quit smoking is to list the benefits that are obtained just 20 minutes after quitting. Quitting tobacco is not easy because it involves physical dependence, but it is worth it considering that:

• After 20 minutes, blood pressure drops to normal levels, and heart rate stabilizes.
• After eight hours, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease, and blood oxygen levels recover.
• After 24 hours, carbon monoxide disappears from the body.
• After two days, nicotine is undetectable in the blood.
• After the first week, taste and smell are recovered.
• After three months, circulation improves, and lung function recovers 30% of its usual capacity.
• After three months, breathing improves, and coughing, shortness of breath, and congestion disappear.
• In the first year, the risk of heart attack is reduced by half.
• After five years, the risk of lung cancer decreases by 50%.
• After 10 years, the risk equals that of someone who has never smoked.

We recommend: How to make a natural remedy for cough with bougainvillea 5. Exercise your mind In addition to the body, it is important to keep the mind active. Various studies indicate that those who engage in activities requiring intellectual effort maintain greater mental activity as they age. Curiosity and engaging in activities such as reading, writing, playing word games, board games, or crosswords contribute to keeping the brain in shape, preventing memory and other intellectual skills from atrophying, as they require thinking and planning problem-solving strategies. In this sense, it is also important to reduce the hours spent watching television, as this does not require any intellectual effort and, in excess, can atrophy the mind. Setting goals, keeping the mind occupied, and planning for the future are characteristics that keep our mind sharp. We recommend: The best remedies for the throat 6. Reduce stress Stress is a natural defense mechanism of the body in response to a stimulus. However, if the same feeling persists for a long time or there is no real stimulus causing it, stress can become chronic and seriously affect a person's health. Its consequences include fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, distress, back and neck pain, among others. To prevent it from affecting us in our daily lives, it is important to:

• Not try to take on too many activities at once and focus only on those that can be accomplished. Recognize that we cannot do everything and set priorities.
• Try to sleep between seven and eight hours a day.
• Cultivate social and family relationships more.
• Not neglect leisure time and use it for activities that are enjoyable and rewarding, that provide something and help us disconnect.
• In moments when we feel overwhelmed by obligations and activities, breathe deeply and try to relax, pushing negative thoughts out of our minds.
• Gift ourselves moments of well-being: a massage, a bath, a special dinner.