31 Jan 2025
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with opportunities to create lasting wellness habits. As the buzz of January resolutions fades, now is the ideal moment to focus on changes that are practical, sustainable, and rewarding for you. Whether you’re looking to refresh your routine or start something new, here are our five healthy habits to embrace this month:
1. Commit to Regular Exercise
We know, much easier said than done! Movement is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle though. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to revamp your routine, February is a great time to prioritise physical activity. While you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, it's ok to start small and focus on achieving 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, then 30 minutes. If you're in need of some motivation, why not try a new group fitness class? We have a range of classes. Some incorporate strength training for muscle building, some focus on yoga to improve flexibility and reduce stress, some include fun dance moves that are sure to get your whole body moving - don't be afraid to try something different!
Bonus tip: group exercise classes are FREE with membership at Holmer Park, so you can easily try a new class without much too commitment. It's a great excuse to try something out of your comfort zone, you never know - you may find a new favourite!
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is essential for overall health, yet many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Staying properly hydrated boosts energy levels, improves skin health, and supports digestion though, so it's not something to overlook! Set a goal to drink around eight glasses of water daily (yes, cups of tea count!) and keep a reusable water bottle near you to make it easier to stay on track.
Bonus tip: Find water boring? Try adding fresh lemon or cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
3. Prioritise Sleep
Quality sleep is often overlooked but is critical for recovery, mental clarity, and physical health. While quality sleep is not always easy to achieve, try working on forming heathly sleep habits to see overall improvements. Work on establishing a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation - try turning off screens an hour before bed, 10 minutes of meditating, or taking a warm bath. Ideally you would aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to wake up feeling refreshed and energised, but even a solid block of deep sleep can work wonders!
Bonus tip: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for the best sleep environment. If you live near a noisy road, try listening to white noise to block out the external sounds.
4. Indulge in a Massage
Massages aren’t just a luxury—they’re a powerful way to promote both mental and physical well-being. Massages can help reduce stress, alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall relaxation. Additionally, they support better sleep, improve flexibility, and are believed to boost your immune system. Taking time for a massage can be a vital part of self-care that complements your fitness and wellness goals and well, it might be our favourite way of boosting our health journey!
Bonus tip: We regularly have massage offers avaliable here, so you can indulge without a high price tag!
5. Incorporate Mindful Eating
Healthy eating doesn’t mean restrictive dieting, like we were taught in the 90s. Instead, fit means focusing on nourishing your body with balanced meals rich in whole foods. This month, try adding more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to your diet. The current advice is to aim for 30 different plants a week - see if you can challenge yourself!
Bonus tip: Plan your meals ahead of time to avoid the temptation of unhealthy choices. When we're hungry, we're much more likely to eat whatever is quickest, no matter the nutritional value of the meal.
Are you ready to make February the month of transformation? Remember, small, consistent changes lead to significant results over time, so try to plan little goals instead of any drastic changes. Whether it’s hitting the gym, drinking more water, or treating yourself to a relaxing massage, every step you take brings you closer to your wellness goals, and Holmer Park is here to help you on your journey!