5 ways to stay healthy this year
By May, most people's New Year’s resolutions go right out the window. This year can be different! Make an effort to check in with a friend, or be self-accountable monthly and reevaluate how you’re doing with your goal to stay healthy this year. If you’ve fallen off track, get your priorities in order and make the choices to become the healthiest version you can be for yourself.
Below are five of the easiest ways to stay healthy this year. Start slow by incorporating one or two of these tips at a time until you’re mastering all five. Remember, taking care of our bodies is the first step to preventive care. And, to live a long, healthy life, we need to form the habit of treating our bodies with care daily.
- Drink more water
The amount of water you should be drinking daily can be a bit confusing, as many sources will tell you something different. Here is an easy rule to follow. The amount of water you should drink daily is determined by a simple equation. Take your weight in pounds and divide that in half. The number you’re left with is the amount of ounces of water you should drink in a day. So if you weigh 200lbs, you would drink 100 ounces of water each day. Be mindful that the water in coffee, juice, etc. does not count toward these ounces.
- Get moving daily
Any activity is better than none. Make it your goal to get up and get moving at least once a day. Ideally, you should do some form of daily exercise for at least 30 minutes. Simply walking for three 10-minute jaunts counts. Or you can go to a big indoor space, like a mall, and go walking on your lunch break. The most important step is the first one: get up and get moving. Don’t allow yourself to make excuses. Remember, exercising doesn’t just improve your physical health, but it helps with mental clarity as well.
- Monitor your diet
When it comes to your diet, every little bit counts! Whatever your vice is, aim to decrease it. Whether it’s soda, candy or chips, try to lessen the amount you consume regularly. Increasing your water intake helps a lot with cutting cravings. Also shifting your focus away from depriving yourself of these vices and towards increasing your fruit and vegetable intake can also be very helpful.
- Make some “me time”
Everyone needs “me time” throughout their day to collect their thoughts and have a moment of peace. This time can consist of reading, stretching, doing yoga, meditating or going for a walk. Whatever activity allows you to take a few minutes to de-stress and focus on you is considered valuable “me time.” This time is extremely beneficial to your mental and physical health, just as valuable as exercise.
- Get an annual exam
If you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, be sure to schedule an annual check-up with your family doctor. This is extremely important for your preventative care. At this appointment you can address any health concerns with your doctor. Expect to be screened for age-appropriate concerns, such as cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, STDs, and general well being.
It's always better to catch diseases early. You may have something despite a lack of symptoms. Make your preventative care a top priority. It’s a proactive approach that will result in a healthy lifestyle.
