With the new year comes a fresh start! January is a great time to refresh your take on staying healthy. National Staying Healthy Month encourages everyone to keep making your well-being and self-care a priority. Starting the new year with embracing a healthier lifestyle and having a healthy routine puts you in a spot to have a great year ahead. Here are a few things to focus on:
1. Physical Wellness
• Make a positive changes this month by adding 30 minutes of physical activity. Research shows that being sedentary has been linked to many medical conditions. There are many benefits to move your body more!
• Getting more exercise can be as simple as getting a few more steps around your home or adding some stretching throughout your day. You won’t believe how good some simple stretching will make you feel. Did you know? Stretching can reduce muscle tension and soreness, allows for more movement in joints, and can improve your posture!
• Eating a healthy diet plays a huge role in your physical wellness. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy. Choose foods with complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pastas, rice, and beans. The addition of extra fiber is great for your diet, too. Be aware of foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt.
• Drink plenty of water. According to research, you can reduce the chances of a heart attack by 40% if you drink at least five glasses of water each day.
2. Mental Wellness
• Exercise your mind the same way that you would your body. After all, your brain is a muscle, too!
• Be sure to take time to take care of your mental health. Some simple things you can do are making sure to get enough sleep each night or by doing a relaxing activity like listening to music, deep breathing, or spending time outdoors (or green spaces indoors).
• Laughter is the best medicine! Laughter increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, which is great for your heart, lungs, and other muscles. Laughing also increases endorphins that are released in your brain, causing you to help reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.
• Reading is a great stress reliever. Research shows that reading even just six minutes a day can reduce your stress levels by 60% by lowering your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and changing your state of mind.
3. Inspire Others to Make Positive Changes
• Spread the joy of feeling great by sharing your tips and ideas with friends and family. Encourage others to stay healthy, too.
• Ask friends and family to join you on your daily walk or to come over and do some stretches.
• Cook healthy meals and eat together. Socializing with others is great for your mental health!
Source: nationaltoday.com
