Make It a Healthy Year with These Two Resolutions
The first day of the year brings new hope and new plans to make this year better than the last. So begins the tradition of creating a list of resolutions that are likely to be broken almost as quickly as they’re made. Instead of making a list of extreme changes that only serve to stress us out, make resolutions that encourage healthy choices.
You are Number 1
Consider making yourself a priority this year. Not only is it ok to put yourself first sometimes, it’s necessary. You can’t help someone else when you’re so stressed out that you’ve made yourself sick.
Studies show that stress can inflict chaos on a person’s health causing headaches, stomachaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, a compromised immune system, and even increased mental health issues. Here are some ways to make that resolution stick:
- Prioritize – To help reduce your stress, make a list of what’s truly important so you can take care of the major things and not worry about the minor ones.
- Finish this before you start that – Often, tasks are easy to start but hard to finish. Check off one before you move to the other.
- Do one thing for yourself every day – Taking 10 minutes out of your day to do one nice thing for yourself as a reminder that you need care, too. Simple things like taking a walk, meditating, or meeting a friend for lunch are all great ways to de-stress.
Get Healthy From the Inside
Sometimes, weight is all people think about when it comes to their health. The human body works best when all of its parts are in working order. The 2nd resolution you should consider for this New Year is to take care of your body from the inside out. Make time for screenings, sleep, and exercise.
- Get tested – It’s easy for women to neglect certain life-saving screenings because of a busy schedule. Make time for mammograms and pap-smears.
- Get your Z’s – Sleep is as vital for good health as diet and exercise. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), most people need 7-9 hours of sleep but women aged 30-60 only sleep an average 6 hours a night.
- Get a move on – Carving out an hour at the gym can be impossible some days. Consider making daily exercise a habit by doing smaller increments. A University of Virginia study found it was more beneficial for women to split their exercise into 10 minute bursts rather than doing 20-40 minute workouts. Check out this list of 25 easy ways to fit in 10 minutes of exercise for some great ideas.
These two simple resolutions can make us feel better, be less stressed, and might actually be kept this year.
To schedule an appointment with Women’s Medical Associates of Nashville, call (615) 329-6745.