The beginning of every year is a good time to take stock of your health and well-being. Here are three New Year’s resolutions that can help you live your best life this year, and for many years to come.
1. Develop healthy habits to rein in your stress
Stress affects everyone and can impact your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s short or long-term stress, acute or chronic stress, or good or bad stress, learning to cope with stress effectively may be beneficial to your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, high-stress levels can lead to numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Because we all have different responses to stress, some people may experience digestive symptoms, while others may have headaches, sleeplessness, sadness, anger, or irritability (Source: National Institute of Mental Health).
Here are a few techniques that can help you manage your stress response:
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or getting a massage.
- Prioritize spending time with a healthy social support network.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Dehydration causes an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, fish, and nuts. If you have any nutritional gaps in your diet, talk to your nurse practitioner about whether supplements may be appropriate for you.
- Consider trying aromatherapy, a holistic healing treatment that has been used for thousands of years. If it is right for you, ask your Good Clinic nurse practitioner to explain the benefits of aromatherapy.
2. Level up your fitness routine
Take your fitness routine up a notch with a commitment to moving your body more this year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults should do 2 hours, 30 minutes to 5 hours a week of moderate-intensity, or 1 hour, 15 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. You can also do an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week.
The CDC also advises children and adolescents should do one hour or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Older adults should do multicomponent physical activity including balance training as well as aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Go here for the most recent CDC physical activity report, which includes age and condition-related modifications.
Below are a few activity suggestions for every ability level.
Low-impact fitness activities:
- Try swimming a few laps.
- Take a yoga or Pilates class.
- Hit the stationary bike.
Moderate fitness activities:
- Head out on a brisk walk.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Go for a longer bike ride.
Vigorous fitness activities:
- Participate in a recreational sports league.
- Join a water aerobics class.
- Sign up for a team training gym.
Once you determine which weekly fitness activities you can commit to, ask a friend to join you! According to the CDC, people are more consistent, adventurous, and motivated when they exercise with a friend.
3. Lean into a whole-person wellness plan
If you want to build healthy habits that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, but you don’t know where to start, The Good Clinic can help you.
We believe good health happens when you have a close relationship with your care team. Not just a once-a-year primary care check-up, but all year round – from annual check-ups to sports physicals to short phone check-ins, online plan updates, and everything in between. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a consistent ongoing relationship with a primary care provider keeps you healthier and lowers medical costs.
To help you meet your health and wellness goals in 2022 and beyond, we invite you to schedule a wellness planning appointment with a nurse practitioner at The Good Clinic. This appointment will focus on your lifestyle, physical health, mental health, healthcare resources, and relationships.
Our services include:
- Preventive care
- Behavioral health evaluations, management, and referrals
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic disease management
- Nutritional and dietary counseling
- Biometric screening
- Exercise and weight management counseling
- Tobacco cessation
Primary care near you
When asked about New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Kim Yung, director of clinical services at The Good Clinic, said, “I suggest you take time to consider your long-term health goals. Instead of a resolution that may last for a few weeks or a few months, The Good Clinic can help you create a wellness roadmap for decades to come.”
The Good Clinic is bringing a more personal approach to primary care – connecting you with a knowledgeable, compassionate team of professionals who care deeply about you and your health and wellness. At The Good Clinic, our philosophy is that you’re in charge of your health—we are here to support you.
Whether you need a routine exam, have an urgent health concern, or are experiencing anything in between, let’s map out the next steps together. Book an appointment at The Good Clinic today.