Now that 2018 is in full swing, it’s time to take stock of our New Year’s Resolutions and check our progress. Have you slacked off a bit? That’s OK. Everybody does. But staying healthy is a top priority for longevity and quality of life. Here are some pointers to stay on top of your health and wellness this year:
- Walk every day. Even a brisk 20-minute walk will help, at least three to four times a week.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
- Cut out carbs such as white bread, pasta and white rice.
- Limit junk food, such as cookies, chips and many other “trigger” foods.
- Take up some relaxation habits, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi and massage.
- Read a chapter in a book, take a stroll, listen to music, take a bath. Anything that helps you reconnect with YOU is good!
- Heed early warning signs of heart attack, diabetes, etc. and keep up with regular doctor appointments and screenings.
- Keep your stress level down by regularly going out with friends or seeing a therapist.
- Incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day. Do it when it works for you, whether early in the morning before work or in the evening when you’re winding down.
- Stay on a regular schedule every day to prevent added stress. Wake up, eat, and go to bed on the same schedule every day for consistency.
- Take up a new hobby and stay with it.
- Write in a journal to keep track of your dietary changes, mindful exercises and physical exercises. Journaling can be very therapeutic.
- Get your vaccines, especially the flu vaccine in winter. This is especially important for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
- Stay hydrated and drink eight glasses of water a day. This will flush out toxins and keep your skin clear. You can even add fruits like lemon, lime or berries to add flavor, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Apply sunscreen even in the winter to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging your skin.
- Incorporate foods high in antioxidants, vitamins like A and C, and minerals to your diet, such as carrots, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, avocado, cabbage and apples.
- Moisturize your skin every day. Choose lotions with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, glycerol, silicones, petrolatum, emollients, antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids.
- Improve your immunity by drinking lemon water in the morning for its vitamin C. This also encourages digestion.
- Treat yourself to some dark chocolate every once in a while. It has flavanols that help dilate blood vessels and allow more oxygen and blood to reach your brain.
Heed these tips for a healthier 2018. Try all the many great physicians, nutritionists and beauty products listed here in Wall Directory for even better results.