After focusing on illness for nearly two years, it’s time to focus on staying healthy.
Schedule your annual wellness visit and start the new year. Make an appointment for preventive care, including dentistry and vision, for the entire family. Health experts warn that COVID-19 is likely to be with us for years. The Louisiana Health Department recommends booster shots for people over the age of 18 who are fully vaccinated. Also, include these precautions as part of your daily life to protect yourself, your family and friends. Wear a mask indoors or when there are a large number of people, stay at a social distance if possible, and wash your hands frequently. Also, consider these five daily habits to be healthier and healthier in 2022.
Eat healthier.
Our mother was right — eat more vegetables. Reduce additional salads and vegetables, lean meats, sugar, and processed foods into your daily diet. A plant-based diet helps you lose weight and reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. Shake your routine and try one new healthy recipe a week. Also, keep in mind that a balanced diet involves drinking more water.
I will move more.
Whether you’re attending the gym, practicing yoga, gardening, or biking, you need to move more. One of the best ways is to walk. Get up and walk, whether it’s 1,000 steps or 10,000 steps. If possible, use the stairs and choose a parking lot far away, rather than driving in a circle looking for the parking lot closest to the door.
sleepy.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends an average of 7-8 hours of sleep each night for adults. Consider taking extra rest by waking up early. Think of the previous alarm as more time for exercise, quiet meditation and contemplation before starting the day.
According to the Sleep Advisor, getting up early allows you to have a healthy breakfast, improve your adaptability and concentration during the day, improve the quality of your rest, and keep your regular sleep schedule.
Relieve stress.
Mental health and well-being affect our physical health. Make a mental and physical TLC plan for this new year. Set aside time to meditate. Try the app and start practicing. Wear calming music and calm down with a good book. If you read before bedtime, avoid scrolling as the blue light of your electronic devices can interfere with your sleep.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, animals help reduce depression and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, see all the strengths and weaknesses of pet ownership.
The mass layoffs in 2021 were mainly caused by the burnout that many of us experienced during the pandemic. You may be able to overcome the overwhelming and anxious time-outs, such as vacations, spa days, and a good night’s sleep. At other times, it may be something more.
Look for the main symptoms of burnout, including:
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of resilience and inability to return to course
- Negative interaction with colleagues
- I can’t make a decision.
If you experience long-term burnout at work, or if you have prolonged anxiety or depression, consider treatment.
Quit smoking.
Smoking continues to be the country’s leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 7,000 adults die each year from smoking-related illnesses in Louisiana. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also has a negative effect on the immune system and bones, while increasing the risk of fractures, osteoporosis and even eye diseases.
If you smoke, consider enrolling in a smoking cessation program. For more information, please contact us at 985-449-4686.
As you decide to improve your health in 2022, start with some good habits. Don’t try to hire many at once. Slowly but steadily win the health competition.
Katie Richard, Massachusetts, BSN, RN is the Education and Training Coordinator of the Tivodo Regional Wellness Education Center. For more information on health and wellness services, please call 985-493-4765.
