Have you given up on your New Year’s resolutions already? If so, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait for next year…every day is a new opportunity to start a goal to improve your health! Here are a few ideas on resolutions you can make to improve your health and lifestyle in 2023.
Schedule A Wellness Visit
Even if you’re feeling perfectly fine, seeing your primary care physician routinely and taking advantage of your preventive care benefits is a simple way to stay healthy. Regular checkups and preventive screenings allow your doctor to identify minor health issues before they become major health issues as treatment is has a better chance of working when a health issue is detected early.
Spend More Time With The Sandman
One of the least discussed health issues in America is the fact that almost none of us is getting enough sleep. Quality sleep helps your immune system and gives your mind time to rest and reboot. Just one or two more hours a night on top of what you’re getting can make a tremendous difference! To get a better night’s rest, create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit phone and computer time before bed, and create a quiet sleep environment.
Drop Those Extra Pounds
A resolution to lose weight is one of the most (if not the most) common goals on January 1st. No wonder; obesity is a leading cause of health problems in the United States…even more than smoking according to many health experts. Losing weight can help lower your risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. You’re goal doesn’t have to be drastic. Losing 1/2 to 2 pounds per week, depending on your current weight and lifestyle, is a long-term sustainable goal.
Have A Banana
A healthy diet goes hand in hand with losing weight. It entails not only what you eat but how you eat. Make sure that you’re adding more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, low-fat, high in fiber, and rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Foods that contain fiber keep you feeling full, which helps you lose weight.
When you eat…SLOW DOWN! Eating quickly can cause you to overeat and negatively impact proper digestion. Chew each bite carefully and enjoy the textures and flavors of the meal. It can take your brain up to 20 minutes to get the message from your stomach that you’re full. So, eating slowly means you’ll feel satiated on less food.
Tell The Butts To Butt Out
If you’re still smoking…stop. Just stop. Enough said.
Get Up And Move Around
Even a moderate amount of exercise every week has tremendous health benefits. You don’t have to bench press 300 pounds or run a marathon. Just walk short distances instead of driving or take the 2 flights of stairs instead of the elevator. As you become more active, you’ll find yourself shedding some weight (especially in conjunction with a diet plan) and feeling more energetic. If you haven’t been active in a while, consult a doctor before beginning any serious exercise program.
Take A Load Off (Your Mind)
We all have some form of stress in our lives whether it’s job-related, family or something else unique to our experience. Managing that stress is an important part of maintaining good overall mental and physical health. If your stress is getting out of control, simple activities like breathing exercises, walking, meditation, or even listening to music can help restore some calm to your life. If it is severe enough, seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. Chronic stress can take a toll on your health before you realize it.
