Even though it’s February and some may have already decided they couldn’t keep up the momentum for the health related resolutions they made for the new year, it’s not too late to get back on track. We all have good intentions to eat better and exercise more, but it’s hard to stay focused on our health goals when it’s cold and dreary outside. In the winter, when it gets dark early and the weather is cold and icy, we tend to want to stay inside, eat comfort foods and curl up with a good book or watch TV.
But, even though you may have disbanded your new year’s resolution, rethink that decision and choose a “small” resolution that’s easy to accomplish that will improve your health. Why not give one of these a try?
Eat more vegetables. Eating more vegetables will help fill you up and leave less room for junk food like chips, ice cream, and sweets. Vegetables will also help you get the vitamins, nutrients, and fiber you need to help you stay healthy and regular.
Get enough sleep. Go to bed at the same time each day and get at least 7-8 hours each night. Avoid using computers, phones, caffeine drinks, and other things that may stimulate you prior to sleep.
Take care of your mental health. Pray, meditate, exercise, eat well and stay hydrated, practice gratitude, focus on positivity, forgive others, stay connected with friends and family, avoid stressful social media, and find ways to relieve stress. Do things that you enjoy.
Cut down or eliminate alcohol. Eliminating alcohol will lower your blood pressure, give you better skin, help with memory and healthy sleep habits.
Prioritize doctor visits. Stick to scheduled physicals and health screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate and skin screenings, and eye exams) to help catch illnesses early and keep medical conditions under control. If something is hurting you, don’t ignore it and have a healthcare provider check it out.
References:
- Five Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for 2024, by Shannon Lazovski, Shelby Neighbors, 2024.
- Caring for Your Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health.