Five Ways To Get Your Health Off To a Great Start This January
A new year is the perfect time to start something that you have wanted to do or have been putting off. January 1st is considered a clean slate that has endless possibilities. This is why it is important to review your past years and discover what it is that you want to accomplish in the next year. That way when January 1st rolls around you know exactly what to do with your time and how you plan to do it. Now while yearly reflection and goal setting can come natural to some people, others may have a harder time figuring out what it is they want to do. If you are one of those people, there is no need to worry because there are goals that should be considered “default goals” for the year.
Default goals are defined as goals that should be done by everyone and, more often than not, they are focused on personal health and wellness. These goals not only promote better health physically, but also mentally. So, if you are struggling to discover what goals you want to accomplish this year here are five different ways that you can get your health off to a great start this January.
1Get Chiropractic Adjustments: Chiropractic is all about improving how the spine and nervous system regulate and control our body. It is based on the idea that the body is designed to heal itself. Due to stresses either over time or sudden, the spine can shift out of its normal position causing stress to the spinal cord, spinal nerves, and to the organs at the end of those nerves. This is called a Subluxation. Left untreated, these subluxations may cause pain, decreased motion, and dysfunction, not just at the spinal level, but also to the organs involved. It is important to note that pain tends to come last. By the time pain starts, the spinal nerves are already inflamed causing stress and dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments improve alignment and movement, which promotes better function of the muscles, joints, nerves and ultimately the organs. A healthy body requires proper function of the spine and nervous system. Everyone can benefit from chiropractic however, care should only begin after a proper exam and evaluation has been performed to determine the best treatment plan. Ideal posture is always the goal. Techniques will vary based on age and medical history and should only be performed by a licensed chiropractor.
2Consistent Exercise: Our bodies are meant to move. We are not meant to live a sedentary life style. When we deprive our bodies of the movement it needs we are causing more harm than good. This is why it is ideal to have a consistent method of exercise. Whether that is your daily walk, run, cycle, weight session, or even yoga flow. Everyone is going to have their own method of exercise that their body enjoys. The important thing is discovering what that is and developing time for it. Schedule your workouts in advance so that way its already on your calendar for the day. Strive to move your body everyday for 30-45 minutes. it will help improve your health both physically and mentally.
3Adequate Rest: Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health. Our bodies undergo a number of different benefits when we sleep. Our bodies repair cells, restore our energy, build new nerve connections, amongst other things. Without adequate sleep, we are depriving our bodies of these beneficial reactions that are necessary for our health. With all of this information, it is important to note that everyone requires a different amount of sleep. The rule of thumb is between 6-8 hours a night, but some people can thrive better with less or more. So listen to your body and find the perfect amount of sleep for you and develop a consistent sleep schedule to follow throughout the year. Try to go to bed the same time every night for optimal health.
4Stress Management: Life is full of stressors. There are the stresses of work, family, relationships, and even just life. We are constantly being thrown curve balls that we are expected to manage and that can lead to a lot of stress. Stress management is considered to be ways that individuals manage the stressors that come with life. The important thing is to find what stress management method works best for you. Some stress management methods can be mediation, bubble baths, reading, journaling, exercising, or even just simply quiet time. Whatever your preferred method of stress management is, find time each day or week to give yourself the time and TLC that you deserve.
5Clean eating: Our bodies are like machines and what we fuel them with matters. Our body’s fuel is food. Everything we eat either makes us healthy or sick. Always read ingredients of what you’re eating and strive to buy grass fed butter and meats. Look for non GMO organic chicken at a local butcher or store. Wild seafood is better than farm raised. Rainbow organic fruits and veggies are best. Avoid refined carbs and processed foods. It may seem like a lot of changes but start small and stay consistent. Small changes add up and before you know it, it becomes natural. With all of this in mind, really examine your diet and food. Ask yourself, “are these things good for my body and will they help me function fully?” and with that answer begin to make the necessary changes for your health. You will be surprised at how much your body’s function will change just by altering unhealthy aspects of your diet.
The ultimate goal is to take these health habits and make them a part of your life for the long term. In doing that, you will improve not only your overall health, but also your overall quality of life. Use these five ways to get your health off to a great start this year!
