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Commit to Your Health This New Year
For many, the New Year brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to begin with a clean slate. After all, there’s no better time to set new goals for yourself in the hopes of bettering your mind, body, and spirit.
Despite best intentions, we often neglect our New Year’s resolutions, due in no small part to the fact that the goals we set for ourselves may be too ambitious. Rather than setting goals that are far too lofty, consider some smaller, more attainable resolutions this New Year and commit to improving your health.
Quit smoking.
Every year, more than 480,000 Americans die from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the American Lung Association. Quitting smoking is one of the healthiest decisions you could ever make, and the benefits are nearly immediate. Just 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate drops to a normal level. Don’t switch to e-cigarettes — cut out smoking completely.
Get more active.
One of the most ambitious goals people set for themselves is to start going to the gym or working out more. While working yourself into that new routine can be a challenge, the simple act of getting up and moving around more is far more attainable. This can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator at the office or — if you work at a desk — getting up and moving around every hour or so.
Eat healthier.
Of course, incorporating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables and eliminating junk food is a positive step, but a better diet goes far beyond just working in more leafy greens. Portion control can make a huge difference in your physical health and is a more attainable goal. Start with cutting down the amount of food you eat before moving on to what food you’re eating.
Get more sleep.
Ever feel like you’re dragging through the morning? A good night’s sleep can remedy that feeling better than that fourth cup of coffee. Start going to bed earlier in the evening to ensure you’re getting seven-and-a-half hours of sleep every night. If you’re still feeling lethargic or having abnormal sleep patterns, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Schedule screenings and checkups.
Finally, commit to keeping a closer eye on your health with routine checkups and health screenings. This includes staying up to date on your immunizations.