New Years Resolution: Don’t Just Maintain your Health in 2013!

While the holidays were a time to celebrate and enjoy family and friends, the New Year is a time to reflect on what is really important, and what is more important than good health? Set a goal to not just maintain your health but improve the overall level of your health in 2013.
Consider these three simple tips to help you become healthier then ever before. Some of these recommendations from reliable sources are obvious but bear a reminder.

Manage stress – Balance
A major stressor in life is our tendency to over-commit and not dedicate sufficient time to care for our personal well-being. Set a goal to balance home and work commitments. Make sure you that you regularly include time for relaxation (a professional massage is always a great way to remember how to relax). Keep a relaxed and positive outlook.
Get plenty of rest and quality sleep.
National Sleep Foundation recommendations:
• Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning;
• Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark and relaxing environment, which is neither too hot nor too cold;
• Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Remove all TVs, computers and other “gadgets” from the bedroom;
• Physical activity may help promote sleep but not within a few hours of bedtime;
• Avoid large meals before bedtime.

Be (or become) smoke-free. 

Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke. if you currently smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to take care of you and your family! For help, call the Center for Disease Control at 1-800-QUiT-NOW or talk to your health care provider for help.

Eat healthy, and be active.
You can enjoy your favorite foods and improve your health when you eat healthy
and increase your activity. As they say…everything in moderation. Choose fresh
fruit as a substitute for candy and baked goods.

We all know that regular exercise is critical to health. Besides a regular exercise routine, find fun and invigorating ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite
music, joining your family for Wii activities or bundling up and enjoying a brisk walk
in the rain. Join a yoga class for flexibility and relaxation.
Bottom line: be active for at least 2½ hours a week.

In conclusion, it seems fitting to use an analogy that most of us can relate to.
During take-off the flight attendant always reminds us that before helping others it is
important to put on our oxygen mask first!
The key to improving your health is to put your health first. Being sick, stressed out
and exhausted does not serve anyone. This year commit to be a loving, balanced and
relaxed family member and friend.

Have a healthy and happy New Year!