12 Things You Need to Give Up in 2018 to Be Healthy (and Happy)

It's time to cut it out . . . all of these 12 things out, that is. And this year, we're not talking about gluten, dairy, or soda (well . . . we have thoughts on soda). We're talking about negativity that's weighing you down, detracting from your mental health and happiness, and otherwise not contributing to your health or overall well-being. Let's clear the clutter and prep for the new year!


There Is No "1 Thing" That'll Make You Healthy, but Here's a Game Plan

• Excessive exercise. We're so proud of you for making exercise and healthy living part of your everyday life, but we can all take things a little too far sometimes. You don't need two-a-days every day, and you certainly don't need to spend hours at a time in the gym. We want you to use exercise as a healthy outlet to keep your body functioning at its prime, but too much of a good thing can lead to serious exhaustion and overtraining syndrome (and even weight gain). It's OK to give yourself a break! Next year is going to be all about finding a balance between HIIT and recovery. Sound good?

• Exercising to "fix" your body. Work out to celebrate your body, not to punish it. Work out to feel great, not to feel shame. Work out because you love your body, not because you hate it. The moment your mindset shifts, the moment your life will start to change. Set your goal on feeling good, feeling healthy, and feeling happy — the rest of the "results" will follow.

• Workouts you hate. If you hate indoor cycling, then why are you still going to Spin day after day? If the gym isn't making you happy, then why are you paying for that expensive membership? As we've been saying, part of the goal with exercise is to make your body healthy, but your happiness plays a role in your overall health. Exercise should bring you joy — even if it's tough or strenuous in the moment. Try some new studios, flip through our at-home videos, or pick up running. But whatever you do, don't stop until you find the one exercise you love (and leave that other stuff you hate in the dust. 

• That diet you've yo-yoed with. It's just not working out. Like a bad relationship, you keep trying, you keep putting in the effort, but it's just not reciprocating. Is it making you healthier or more frustrated? We're guessing the answer is no. You don't need to subscribe to a particular diet just because someone else liked it. Use this year to find the diet that works for you, not the other way around. 

• That vegetable you hate eating. We said it last year, and we'll say it again: you don't need kale to be healthy! The point is, don't force-feed yourself a health food if you hate it. It's not healthy to force-feed yourself anything, regardless of its nutritional value. Use this coming year to find a new superfood or health food that you DO like, and stock up.

READ MORE at https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-Get-Healthier-44345947