It’s Time to Rock Your New Year’s Health Resolutions

Tips to Discover a Healthier You

Make room as you step back and unload the burden of unrealistic New Year’s resolutions. Far too often, we set ourselves up for failure by trying to make huge changes overnight. It takes time to create new habits, so give yourself a break as you initiate small changes over time. Don’t despair if you have an off day, just get back up the next day and start fresh. Sometimes, not giving up on yourself becomes the key to discovering a healthier you.

Set yourself up for success by making small changes a little bit at a time to build a healthier you, from the inside out. Let’s check out some totally doable goals (formerly known as resolutions) that you can easily integrate into your life. Anything that leads to a happier and healthier you is worth it.

1. Choose healthy food. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains provides the human body with fuel essential for everyday life. Choose low-fat milk and milk products to add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Limit the amount of saturated fat, salt, and sugar you allow into your diet and pay attention to your portions. Choose fun, refreshing fruit dishes over candy and sweets for a refreshing treat.
2. Learn a new healthy recipe. With the internet, finding a healthy recipe that incorporates your favorite foods is relatively easy. Practice making this new dish once a week. After a couple of months, the healthy dish will become part of your regular menu, and you can begin the hunt for a new healthy recipe to try.
3. Get active. Start out slowly and make small changes to your daily routine to boost your cardiovascular health. Park farther away than normal and earn a few extra steps. Choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator at least once a day. Even 500 more steps each day adds up over time. As you accumulate more steps during daily activities, you’ll notice your stamina improving. While young children and teens still need about an hour of physical activity a day, adults should total about 2 1/2 hours per week.
4. Switch up your workout routine. Stop going to that intense class you hate. Search for what you like, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Try a new Barre class or rock climbing class if you cannot fathom attending one more spin class. Strength training is a wise addition to any workout since muscle helps protect against injury.
5. Drink plenty of water. Help clear skin up naturally by staying hydrated. You can also try rinsing your face with warm water before bed instead of using a traditional cleanser. This allows the skin’s natural oils to do their job without kicking into overdrive.
6. Give yourself a break. Stress is an ugly companion, especially during the holiday season. Connect with family and friends to relax and release built-up tension. Having a support system can help you manage stress more effectively. While some people thrive with a large support system, others prefer solitude and a small, close-knit crew. For those who recharge their batteries in quiet spaces, you may be feeling like you gave a bit too much of yourself over this past year. If you need the space, it is okay to say no in order to take care of your own needs.
7. Make time for sleep. The human body requires sleep to function at optimal levels. A lack of sleep can exacerbate conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
8. Give up nicotine, once and for all. If you would like Tips From Former Smokers on how to quit, click the link.
9. Get regular check-ups. Screenings can help doctors detect health issues early when they are often most treatable.
10. Limit sodium intake. The average person living in the U.S. consumes around 3,400 mg of sodium per day. That’s 1,100 mg more than the maximum recommended for adults! Keep in mind that sodium affects blood pressure and heart health.
11. Evaluate vaccination records. If there are any gaps found, we encourage you to ask your doctors which vaccinations need to be updated based on your chart.

Give Brevard Health Alliance a call to set up an appointment to begin your journey to a healthier you. During your consultation, talk with our doctors to determine which lifestyle changes will be easiest to incorporate into daily life.