Healthy steps for the New Year

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Do they fall by the wayside after a week or two?

I heard on the news this week that most resolutions are given up by mid-February. That’s sad.

Of course, part of the reason for the failure is that we often try to make such drastic changes that our schedule or personality can’t handle it. For example, if we are not a morning person and we don’t like cold weather, setting a new habit to jog outside every morning at 5:00 a.m. might not be a habit we can initiate on January 2 and persevere through the cold winter months.

But, designing a strategy to be more active for good health can be successful if we plan carefully. I’m not going to spend a great deal of time today talking about the miraculous benefits of a physically active lifestyle. But, if you need to be convinced of the value of exercise, this previous blog will provide information on the benefits of walking. I’ve also included a link to a another post which provides detail on how regular physical activity strengthens our heart.

Today, I want to mention five positive steps that can be incorporated into your daily routine that can make a positive difference in your health and happiness. You don’t have to start them all at once!

Increase your physical activity

If you already have an exercise plan–that’s awesome! But, if not, I hope you will develop a plan to safely add physical activity to your daily schedule. Here are some possibilities:

Check out your local YMCA, recreation center, health clubs, or senior citizens programs to see what their offerings are. Try to get a friend or family member to go with you. Select a program that you like, one that fits your schedule and needs, start slowly, and persevere (this is where the friend is important–you keep each other going).

If the above plan isn’t feasible, there are many other possibilities. If you are technology comfortable, there are many apps for fitness that will provide guidelines, check your progress, and provide encouragement along the way.

If you want something really plain and simple, just designate a time each day that you can walk. Even 5 to 10 minutes a day is beneficial. If the outside weather doesn’t cooperate, walk inside in your house, at the mall, or in a large store. You may have a treadmill or stationary bike–dust it off and start it up! Listening to music, watching TV, or reading can help pass the time.

Stay committed. There will be days you just don’t want to exercise, but those are the days you need it most. Physical activity is very beneficial to relieve stress in addition to strengthening your heart, preventing chronic disease, helping in weight management, and protecting muscles and bones.

Eat more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet. When prepared in a healthy way (not fried, without added fats and sugar, and limited amounts of sodium), fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins and minerals, help in maintenance of healthy weight, and provide fiber to maintain healthy bowel habits. Try to eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetable each day (french fries don’t count).

Get more (good) sleep

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Early in my career and as a young mother, I trained myself to get by on less sleep. There weren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all I needed to do (so I told myself). You’ve probably lived that way as well. It’s not a good plan.

Adequate sleep (7 or more hours per night) gives our body rest. This includes helping us to maintain a healthy brain (which needs adequate rest, too). God designed our body in a magnificent and marvelous way, but He designed us to get rest each day so that our body could function at its optimum level.

Make time for family, friends, and some quiet time

Human are social beings. We need fellowship with family and friends and we need quiet time. Both are important.

Laugh often!

Sometimes we don’t have a lot to laugh about, but joy and laughter are good medicine. You need a daily dose, repeated often!

Wishing you a joyous, healthy, and blessed 2019, my friends. Please let me know if I can pray for you as you take steps toward a healthier you.