6 Simple Health Tips for 2022
The new year is here and, for many of us, it comes with a greater resolve to eat healthy and stay fit—or at least do better than we did the year before in those two areas. So, if you’ve decided that 2022 is the year dedicated to changing your habits and living a happier, healthier lifestyle, here are a few simple tips to get you started. And the best part, each one is intended to be something anyone can do, regardless of where you are on your own personal health journey.
1. Cut down on sugar
The research is crystal clear, too much sugar has a damaging effect on health. That’s not to say sugar is bad and should be eliminated completely—just consumed in moderation. The hard part is sugar is especially tasty, which can make it hard to say no to that second bowl of ice cream or refill of soda. However, reducing your sugar intake has several health benefits that include everything from weight loss to better heart health, to better teeth and skin, better sleep, to better overall mood. It just takes a little will power and a few healthy alternatives. Your overall well-being and lifestyle will thank you.
2. Eat more nuts
Vegetables are the go-to food most health plans will advise eating more of. No argument there. However, if you’re looking for some healthy variety in your diet, nuts are the answer. Most of us may not consider nuts anything more than an occasional snack or one of the ingredients found in trail mix but making nuts a regular part of our diets has impressive health and weight benefits. For starters, they’re a great source of nutrients. They’re loaded with antioxidants. They may assist in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. They’re beneficial for Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome. They help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most important, they’re widely available, versatile, and delicious. Your taste buds will thank you.
3. Drink more water
Water truly is the liquid of life—and we often fail to recognize the many ways it affects every aspect of our lives. Not only does it have endless external uses, but from an internal standpoint it also boosts our metabolism, flushes toxins from our bodies, aids digestion and absorption, supports circulation, transports nutrients, helps maintain body temperature, keeps us feeling full, and the list goes on. With so much of our everyday functions relying on water, it’s crucial to stay hydrated as all times. Your body and your thirst will thank you.
4. Go to bed a little earlier
Diet tips aren’t the only way of improving health and well-being. There are also plenty of non-food related ideas consider this year, as well. An easy one to start with is simply going to bed 10 minutes earlier. By the end of the week, you’ll have tallied an extra 70 minutes of sleep, and over the course of the year, 60 hours. Getting to bed earlier will not only leave you feeling better rested the next day, but you’ll also likely experience greater health and energy as a result. Your overall mood will thank you.
5. Exercise regularly
What would a health tips list be without the obligatory reminder to make regular exercise more of a priority? No matter how many times you hear it, the simple fact of the matter is: exercise is essential to healthy living—especially as we age. It is easy for some to justify eating better as a replacement for exercise. But just as much as your body needs the right nutrients to survive, it also needs regular physical activity to keep functioning at its best. Whether you make regular gym time a goal or head out for a 30-min walk around the neighborhood, it’s important to work some form of exercise into your routine. Your physical, mental, and emotional health will thank you.
6. Befriend people with similar health goals
Have you ever been really excited about a New Year’s resolution only to have completely abandoned it mere weeks or even days later? Making new health goals a priority for your new year is a great, but it’s not uncommon for even the most motivated of resolution-makers to let some of that determination fade over time. That’s why having someone by your side to cheer you on and keep you motivated is so valuable. Find someone who shares some (if not all) of the same health goals as you so you can keep each other updated and on track—as well as push each other on the days when a little push is needed. Plus, it’s always nice to have a friend in the trenches with you. Your social health will appreciate it.
There are clearly many advantages to living in a Life Plan Community, the chief among them being the mental, physical and social health benefits experienced by residents. For more information about the benefits of moving into a Life Plan Community, speak with your retirement counselor, or call (801) 758-3138 today.