Stay Healthy in 2022 with These 6 Tips
Good health is a priority all year round, but the population’s focus shifts to health and wellness goals at the start of each new year as people around the world make new year’s resolutions to be a better, more lively version of themselves. Whether you need help with setting new health goals for yourself or you simply want to start to make small changes to maximize your sense of personal wellness, this guide is full of tips and tricks to help you live your healthiest year yet.
1. Practice Preventive Care
From regular hand washing when you’re out and about to scheduling an appointment for functional medicine blood tests, it’s important to take measures to prevent the development of various illnesses and protect your system from preventable sickness. Make sure that you practice proper and safe food preparation, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, steer clear from people with known illnesses, get annual vaccinations and avoid bad habits such as smoking.
2. Get Enough Rest
A regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Consistent sleep can prevent illness by boosting your immune system and gives your body a chance to rest and rejuvenate so you can wake up refreshed and ready for the day in the morning.
Practice good sleep hygiene and set up a proper bedtime routine for yourself to get your mind and body ready to wind down for sleep. Determine an ideal bedtime and establish a few soothing activities to perform nightly, such as a warm bath or hot shower, minimized screen time or meditation and journaling. Aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night for optimal wellness.
3. Eat Well
A large number of adults don’t get the recommended daily amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains throughout the day, so it’s important to go out of your way to make sure these nutritious food groups make it onto your plate. Focus on nourishing your body with essential vitamins and minerals, including lean proteins, healthy fats, fibrous foods and foods with nutritional benefits to give your bodily systems the support they need to function at maximum capacity.
4. Manage Your Stress Levels
Stress is not only an uncomfortable experience, but it can wreak havoc on both your body and mind. Chronic stress can make it difficult to sleep, eat, focus and perform normally at work, school and in your personal life. Rather than wait for stress to become overwhelming, get ahead of the experience and practice regular self-care routines to keep anxiety at bay. Only take on what you can realistically manage, and learn to focus only on things that are in your own control and let go of what isn’t.
5. Exercise Regularly
Physical fitness can mean the difference between a long and healthy life and one characterized by chronic stress, weakness and illness. Exercise is not only good for your body, as it strengthens your bones, muscles and joints and helps to ward off stress and disease, but it’s also great for your mental health, too.
The minimum recommended amount of exercise is 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, as well as a few strength training activities, which don’t necessarily need to happen at a gym. The minimum requirements can be met through a few long walks, a couple of challenging yoga sessions and just a few other enjoyable physical activities that get your heart rate up such as dancing, biking, taking the stairs or going for a jog with a loved one.
6. Maintain Social Connections
Studies have shown that those who are more socially isolated are more likely to be ill, depressed and live shorter lives than those who maintain connections in a social circle. Consider social interaction a necessary part of any wellness plan, and take time to plan get-togethers with friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors. Social interaction is a great way to boost your mood, and these relationships can even help you to lead a longer, healthier life.
