As we enter a new year, you may be thinking about ways to improve your health and increase your happiness. Your Flower Mound pain and wellness team (locations also in Bedford, Benbrook and Boyd) have got your back. We put together a list of 7 healthy new year’s resolutions that may just help you have your best year yet!
1. Set SMART Goals
Thinking about the New Year’s Resolution you made to “get healthier”? There’s still time to tweak that goal so that it’s more attainable. Make it SMART:
- Specific: What is the goal and why does it matter to you?
- Measurable: Where are you starting from and how will you measure your progress?
- Achievable: What obstacles are currently in the way? How will you accomplish this goal in light of those obstacles?
- Relevant: Does this goal support your strengths, career, family life, etc.?
- Time-bound: What is the final deadline for accomplishing your goal? Can you set up smaller, supporting goals along the way that will help you cross the finish line of the overall goal?
2. Make Room for Mistakes
Much of the stress that leads to anxiety and depression in our lives today emerges from the pressure to be perfect. This year we encourage you to cut yourself (and those around you) a little slack. Leave margin in your day for slip-ups and accidents. Be gentle with yourself and others. It will make a world of difference in your mental health.
3. Get Active
How much activity does the average adult need a week to be healthy? The ideal amount that experts across many specialties agree on is 150 minutes per week of moderate-level activity.
However, if you are currently struggling to meet that goal, know that some activity is ultimately better than no activity. We recommend trying to increase your activity a little bit at a time as you are comfortable. Try parking further away or doing some sit ups or planks during commercial breaks when you’re watching television.
4. Eat the Rainbow
This is a simple and fun way to get more fruit and vegetables in your daily diet. Spend some time in the produce isle trying to find items that represent every color in the rainbow. Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and try a fruit or veggie you’ve never had before – you may just discover your new favorite snack!
5. Incorporate Healthy Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep matters more than most of us realize. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, good sleep can lead to improved learning abilities, stronger physical health, healthy growth and development patterns, and positive social interactions.
Practicing healthy sleep hygiene is all about incorporating helpful behaviors that support healthy sleep. Some top tips to improve your sleep hygiene include:
- Limiting caffeine
- Eliminating screens in the bedroom
- Avoid naps during the daytime
- Keep a consistent bedtime routine
6. Stay Hydrated
We know that there are many options as far as beverages are concerned but the very best one for your health will always be water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water. Staying hydrated is linked to healthier joints, lower infections, healthy organs, better sleep quality and improved mood.
The old standard for daily water consumption used to be eight 8-ounce glasses of water. The truth is that there’s no cookie-cutter answer for this question. Each person has different needs based upon activity level, weight, diet and more. If you are curious about how much water is best for your optimal health, get in touch with your Flower Mound pain and wellness specialist (locations also in Bedford, Benbrook and Boyd).
7. Practice Gratitude
A 2003 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology show that making an intentional effort to focus on blessings rather than burdens can improve your overall wellbeing. Try keeping a gratitude journal in which you write down three things each day that you are thankful for. We suspect that, after only a matter of weeks, you will already notice a positive difference in your outlook on life!
Healthcare Associates Flower Mound TX
Whether it’s help with setting healthy new year’s resolutions or a new internal medicine specialist for your general health (and everything in between), we are here for you. With every patient, we take the time to really listen to concerns and offer a variety of treatment options to help you reach your highest possible quality of life. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment!
