Every year our family and friends are looking for a new start, but that seems especially true in 2021. While the new year has already come, it´s never too late to consider new habits and routines to make you and your family healthier and happier. Integrity Urgent Care knows each little step will help move you in the right direction.
Eat healthier. This resolution seems to be on everyone’s list, but at Integrity we don’t want to focus on a diet plan or some strict weight loss regiment. Instead, focus on eating more balanced meals with fruits and vegetables, eat manageable portions, pack healthy snacks on the go, and enjoy meals as a family as much as possible.
Move more. Working out and exercise will look different for every person and family. What works for some, may not work for others. By finding a fitness routine, whether it’s training for a virtual race or doing at home exercise videos, that you enjoy and challenges you, you are more likely to keep up the work. Schedule time for working out into your day and stick with your commitment.
Sleep well. It is important your body and mind get the rest it needs to reorganize and recharge. This is especially important during times of stress and high activity. Remove distractions from your bedroom, hang light blocking curtains, and change out your pillow on a regular basis to help make sleep easier.
Get your check-ups. When our schedules are busy or finances get tight, we tend to put off our regular check-ups and any specialists we need to see on a regular basis. Make it your resolution to conquer scheduling and sticking to these appointments in the new year. Don’t forget to include your dental appointments as well!
Find balance. Professional work, tasks at home, errands, and other demands can present tremendous stress that impacts our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Evaluate whether you are in a period of your life where demands are weighing on you more and adjust your schedule as needed.
Mental health. Whether you need to reevaluate toxic relationships in your life or need to spend more time in self-reflection, mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are able to evaluate needs on your own, find time to do so, and reach out for professional help as needed or desired.
Eliminate bad habits. Reducing certain habits like smoking or excesses can help our physical health drastically. Benefits from cutting down on things like smoking can be seen quickly and will only build as you stick with your resolution through the year.
Discover something. Find or rediscover a hobby or interest to pursue in your free time. Reading, sports, cooking, art, or hundreds of other pursuits could be a source of enjoyment for you. Even if you end up choosing something different after a few months, you will still see benefits in the trial-and-error part of your year.
With each of these, try to define a specific goal that is easy to achieve and measure. Maybe you will eat a serving of vegetables with every meal or move in some way for 20 minute every day, but don’t be afraid to start small and build each month. And if you miss a day or two, don’t fret, just get back on track as soon as you can. Your body and mind will thank you. For all other health needs, come see our Integrity staff at one of our several locations. We are open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, and accept most insurances.
