Nine Healthier Resolutions That’ll Stick

Veg Out

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A Harvard School of Public Health study revealed that eating five servings of vegetables a day lowered mortality risk by as much as 25 percent—particularly among those at high risk for cardiovascular issues and stroke.

Get a Pet

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According to a new study by Mass General researchers, when female pet owners were shown pictures of their dogs, the areas of the brain associated with emotion, reward, visual processing, and social interaction showed increased activity—as if they were looking at their own child.

Be Mindful

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According to a recent Harvard study, meditating can actually change the brain’s physiology, decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Play an Instrument

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Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital discovered that musical training improves executive brain function, boosting memory and problem-solving skills in both children and adults.

Eat More Protein

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A Boston University School of Medicine study discovered that adults who consumed the highest amount of protein—an average of 100 grams a day—had a 40 percent lower risk of high blood pressure.

Say Thank You

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Researchers at Northeastern University have established a direct link between gratitude and patience, and are now investigating whether being grateful can improve your health.

Go Fish

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Brigham and Women’s researchers found that women who consumed two or more servings of fish per week had a lower risk of hearing loss (20 percent!) than those who rarely ate seafood.

Catch More ZZZs

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Sleeping more now equals better memory later: A new Brigham and Women’s study found that getting seven hours of sleep per day in midlife might boost retention later on.

Ditch the Drugs

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Practicing the gentle, flowing movements of tai chi may help treat fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, according to ongoing research at Tufts.