Starting the year with healthy habits
We often make resolutions to get healthier and improve our lifestyles. However, it is hard for us to keep these resolutions from January until December. This article discusses the importance of starting the year with healthy habits and how we can accomplish this.
Sleep is important!
Sleep should not be taken for granted. It is the foundation of your health.
What is sleep?
Sleep is a natural state of rest during which your body and mind restore themselves from the stresses of daily activity. It’s a time when you don’t need to be alert or responsive but rather deeply relaxed and inactive. In one night, you get two opportunities for this type of restorative sleep since it usually lasts about four hours at a stretch, broken into two periods of sleep called “shifts.”
The first shift normally starts about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts three hours on average before the second shift begins.
Good tips include:
- Going to bed on time and not staying up late.
- Setting a consistent bedtime and waking up time, even on weekends.
- Sticking to a sleep schedule. Even if you feel tired at bedtime, try to resist the urge to nap.
Establish a relaxing routine before turning in for the night: reading, yoga, meditation and so on. This helps the body and mind relax, which is essential for deep sleep that feels good when we wake up. Try reading or listening to something that distracts you from your worries or stressors before going to sleep. It might be helpful to read fiction, but if you want more of a challenge, then try non-fiction books on topics like positive psychology or leadership for instance.
Making sure to eliminate caffeine halfway through your day is another great tip for ensuring a good night’s sleep.
A good diet to stay healthy
Eating right is something everyone needs to work on. It’s not just about what you’re eating, but also how often you’re eating and what your portions are. Take a look at these tips to get on the right track.
One of the most important things is to maintain an overall balanced diet. You can’t just deny yourself certain foods or food groups because they aren’t the best for you. Pay attention to how certain foods make you feel and listen to your body. Generally, fast food is going to result in lower energy, faster hunger, and low feelings of satisfaction. While a healthy balance of protein and nutrient-rich vegetables will create long-lasting energy and a satisfied appetite.
Appropriate portion sizes are also important in getting a healthy diet. Eating too much of one thing will do more harm than good, so it’s important to be mindful of how much you are consuming on a regular basis.
Exercise your body
Exercise is more than just a physical activity. It is something that can improve our mental health, make us happier, and make us more productive.
Exercise reduces stress levels and anxiety while giving relief from the symptoms of depression. It also reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure or heart disease. Exercise has the ability to help people sleep better, too. It helps release endorphins in the brain, making you happier and less stressed. Exercise even helps with various symptoms of depression!
When searching for an activity to increase your heart rate, choose something you love! Finding a new sport or exercise you enjoy is important to helping you to stay consistent. Creating a routine doing something you love is going to help you follow through with exercising daily.
Check with your healthcare provider
Regular checkups are vital to your health. If you have been slacking off on regular checkups, now is the time to find a new healthcare provider and get back into the habit of going for regular checkups. Make sure your doctor is aware of any changes in your diet, sleep, and exercise habits. You should also make sure that all your medications are working together and not fighting against each other.
Your regular check-ups may vary depending on different factors such as age, gender, race, family medical history, or current health conditions.
Mental and spiritual health matters
Giving attention to our mental, spiritual, and emotional health is as important as our physical health. All areas of our lives need attention, and our mental health is the easiest to overlook due to lack of time or organization. It’s important to take time for yourself, practice mindfulness, and practice gratitude.
Here’s to a healthy 2022!
It is our responsibility to take care of our health and wellbeing so that we are able to function optimally during this time. Take these tips to heart and work on developing the best health habits possible for this new year!
Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care Physicians
Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care Physicians, located in Rancho Mirage California, and serving the entire Coachella Valley, for all their primary healthcare needs. Offering in office, and virtual appointments. The membership program allows you to have full access, without long waiting, high unexpected healthcare costs, and doctors who work with you to help you live the best optimum life possible.
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Call us direct 760-642-5549
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