It’s never too late to make changes in your life to become a healthier version of yourself. Interested in setting some health goals for the new year? Check out the five tips below!
Change up your plate
A healthy diet can help protect your from serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. That’s why you should load up your plate with fruits, vegetables, grains and lean protein.
Don’t expect to change overnight. Make small adjustments every day until you find yourself reaching for fruits and veggies over junk food like chips, ice cream and candy. One way to make sure you keep on track with your nutrition goals is by creating a meal plan that you can easily follow every day.
Stay hydrated
Water is important to our health and makes up about 60% of the adult human body. We all need different amounts of water each day, depending on things like our age, gender and health conditions. However, if you’re looking to set a goal to drink more water, start with eight cups (or 64 ounces) each day.
Not a fan of water or getting bored with drinking the same thing over and over? Herbal teas are a great way to stay hydrated while adding some variety to what you drink. You can also try adding fruit or flavoring to water.
Get up and move
Staying active, no matter how old or young you are, should be at the top of your daily to-do list. Regularly working your body, even if it’s just a short walk or simple stretches, helps boost your energy, reduce stress and improve your mood!
Make sure to talk with your medical provider before starting any new exercise routine. They may even have some gentle exercise suggestions to help you get off on the right foot!
Make sleep a priority
We can’t feel or perform our best when we are tired and cranky. Make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep to help keep your health in tip-top shape! It’s recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, you may need more or less sleep. Always listen to your body and adjust your schedule as needed.
Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids, and they can help you get quality sleep! Find ways to wind down after a long day, like taking a warm bath or shower and reading a good book. If you’re struggling to fall and stay asleep, try avoiding screens, like the TV, computer or phone, an hour before you go to bed.
Schedule regular checkups
Meeting with your healthcare provider is the best way to stay healthy! It’s a good idea to schedule a wellness exam every year to make sure nothing has changed with your health. If you’re healthy, you may only need to see your provider once a year. However, if you have chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, or have a family history of conditions like cancer, you may need to go more often.
Small changes that you make today can lead to a healthier tomorrow. At HealthLinc, we’re here to support you in your healthy journey every step of the way. Call today to schedule your appointment.