Health goals, from losing a few pounds to major lifestyle changes, are frequent goals in the New Year.
At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., our team supports our patients’ efforts to improve their health. With this in mind, we’ve gathered a list of five of the most effective habits you can adopt to transform your health in the next 12 months.
Start small and make sustainable changes. Then, build upon your successes toward the ultimate goal.
When you need a little help achieving your goals, turn to the primary care professionals at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C.
Your body works best when it’s in motion. Long hours spent sitting or standing in stationary positions robs your body of the benefits of movement. For example, your legs depend on muscle contractions to assist blood return through veins to your heart and lungs. Without it, blood can pool, causing varicose veins or blood clots.
Adding 30 minutes of walking or other low-impact activity daily is ideal. Remember, every addition adds up, even as little as 10 minutes a week, so don’t worry if you start small to add positive reinforcement to build your confidence.
Don’t buy into the concept that sleep is wasted time. As you age, sleep challenges become more common. But you still need the same amount of sleep as you got when you were younger. Your body and brain needs rest to function at its best.
Make your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary and address the causes of sleep challenges, including:
Visit us when you need medical care for these sleep disturbances.
There’s no need to radically revamp the way you eat. For many people, a simple change in proportions between animal-based proteins and plant-sourced foods makes a significant difference. Sustain your intake of protein and boost your intake of fruits and vegetables. There’s no need to be hungry if you’re mindful of portions.
Reduce the usual culprits: sugar, salt, fried foods, and heavily processed foods. Make small changes until they become habits. Then, expand your efforts.
Add a glass before every meal to feel fuller and eat less. Sip on water and choose watery snacks like grapes to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Start with a modest target of 4 cups a day and build from there as you notice the benefits of boosted hydration. The recommended intake of water is 8 to 12 cups per day.
Crosswords, sudoku, new languages, or continuing education classes are ways to keep your brain active and help with problem solving, memory, and cognition.
These are just some suggestions to help you be healthier in the New Year. For an in-depth discussion of your needs and goals, connect with our team during a consultation.
We’re accepting new patients, so call or click to schedule your visit today.
