Happy New Year! Here are A Few Resolutions to Boost Your Wellness in 2024
One of the best things about ringing in the New Year is that it feels like a fresh start. After we've had a chance to celebrate with friends and family, the new year presents an opportunity to reflect and think about how we might improve areas of our life to better our physical or mental well-being, or both!
Finding ways to boost your wellness and encouraging your loved ones to do the same is a great way to start the new year on a healthy note. If you're thinking about setting a few health-related goals for you or your family in 2024, we have a few ideas that can serve as inspiration or encouragement. Happy New Year!
BOOST YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH:
1. Set a goal for nightly dinners (vegetables included) around the table with no screens: Including more veggies in your nightly meal can encourage healthier eating habits and give you and your family a chance to experiment with how they can be used to create new dishes that are tasty and healthy. Plus, putting away electronic devices can create a space to connect and bond over a shared meal. You can go around the table and share something about your day or designate someone to come up with a fun question that everyone takes a turn answering. These are all great ways to come together as we start the new year!
2. Join the Dry January moment and take a break from alcohol: Taking a break from drinking is a great way to reset and recognize how your habits with alcohol could be affecting your health more than you think. Studies show that in as little as 30 days, regular drinkers who participated in Dry January slept better, had more energy, lost weight, and lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol levels! Consider joining the movement and learn more at: How ‘Dry January’ is the secret to better sleep, saving money and losing weight : News : University of Sussex.
IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING:
1. Commit to a daily gratitude journal entry: Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts onto paper. It can also help release stress and boost your mood, especially when you take the time to write down what you're grateful for. Whether you jot down a few sentences or write a whole page, a gratitude journal can remind you of the people, places, and moments (or the little day-to-day things) that are worth celebrating and being grateful for! If you're not sure what to write about, here are a few prompts to get you started:
"Who is someone you really admire?"
"What do you like most about yourself?"
"What is one good thing that happened today?"
"What is the best trip you ever took? Who was with you?"
2. Commit to a sleep schedule for at least 5 days a week: Sleep is important for everyone! In fact, research has linked poor sleep to a higher risk of developing or worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consider ways you can develop a better sleep schedule, such as putting away electronics at a certain hour or drinking an herbal or calming tea before bed. Find more tips at: The 20 Ultimate Tips for How to Sleep Better | Sleep Foundation.
PROTECT YOUR OVERALL WELLNESS:
1. Get your COVID, Flu and RSV vaccines: It's not too late in the season to protect yourself from circulating respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Staying up to date on this season's vaccinations is a great way to protect your health and the health of those in your household—especially those who might be at greater risk for severe illness or hospitalization, like younger children and older adults. Plus, fewer sick days means more time to get out there and enjoy this season's festivities! Schedule an appointment with your doctor or find a location near you to get vaccinated at: Vaccines.gov - Find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you.
2. Visit Your Doctor to Stay Up to Date on Health Screenings: We know scheduling a doctor’s visit to take time out of an already busy schedule can seem like the last thing to put on your to-do list, especially if you feel otherwise healthy. However, routine checkups and health screenings are important for remaining informed about your health. Depending on your age, gender, and lifestyle, you may need certain screenings now. Learn more and see what screenings you might need at: Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? | CDC.
Set your New Year’s intentions up for success!
Here’s a pro tip for success with your 2024 goals: write them down on a sticky note or piece of paper and stick it somewhere you can see on a daily basis. This is a great way to keep your goals top of mind and remind you of what you hope to achieve by seeing them through! For families with younger kids, pulling out colorful paper, pens, markers, and even stickers can make writing down your family goals a fun and interactive experience that keeps your little ones engaged and excited to take part.
We're here cheering you on towards a healthier lifestyle!