Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: January 16, 2023
Written by Karen Giblin
“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again”
-Buddha
Dear Red Hot Mamas,
Happy New Year! Some of us are relieved when January arrives because our previous month (December) was all about overindulgence. We may be paying off our debts due to extravagantly spending money on gifts. And, our overindulgence was not only limited to spending, it also may have included overeating and drinking. Of course, our excuse for this overindulgence was the holidays are always a “time to celebrate”.
Millions of people also make and start their New Year’s resolutions. The sale of chocolates and alcohol declines while memberships at health clubs and diet programs begin to flood with people. After all, the New Year is looked upon as a new beginning, a time for self-improvement and positive change. And,
it’s so easy to find motivation early in the year. We want to lose weight because we probably have felt overstuffed from the food and desserts we ate. We haven’t adequately participated in an exercise program because we were so busy and stressed during the holidays.
But how many of you have ever broken your New Year’s resolutions when February arrives? Be honest, it’s so easy to think, “It’s winter, it’s too cold to exercise, I’ll wait until spring when the weather warms up”. The excuses arrive, and the promises to yourself seemed to get put on the back burner. Does that sound familiar?
The key to avoiding the typical “doomed fate of the resolution” is to be realistic. Don’t expect to change your life around one day. If your resolution is to lose weight, set small, practical goals instead of large unachievable ones. Don’t expect to lose 20 pounds by February. Instead, you may set your target in which to lose 2 pounds per month over a four-month period.
The choice to improve your life is yours. Are you willing to initiate a change this year? Why not make a commitment to your health? We’re here to help you improve your health decisions this year and every year.
Ways to improve your health in 2023:
Eat a healthy diet
Your diet should Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible. For great recipes and wellness articles, log onto www.nutrition.gov
Exercise regularly
It is important to make time for physical activity in your routine. Exercise with a friend, this sometimes makes it more enjoyable. It is important to also choose activities that you enjoy. Regular physical activity can help improve your mood, decrease stress levels, and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Get enough sleep
Try to get 7–9 hours of sleep each night to ensure that your body and mind are well-rested. Lack of sleep can increase your risk for certain chronic diseases.
Manage stress levels
If you are having difficulty managing stress levels, it is important for you to speak to your doctor. There are also things which you can do to help reduce your stress level. These things include exercising regularly, yoga, meditation and even journaling.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. The recommended daily intake of water is eight glasses. Drinking too little water may lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headache, and other health problems.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is bad for your health. It can cause serious health problems including cancer. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and once someone starts smoking, it can be very difficult to quit. Remember the risks of smoking outweigh the benefits.
Tips to quit smoking:
- Talk to your doctor about medications or other methods that may help you quit.
- Find healthy activities that can act as a substitute for smoking
Take care of your mental health
Don’t ignore your mental health as it is a vital part of your overall well-being and health.
Mental health tips:
- Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and exercise.
- Make sure to eat healthy, balanced meals.
- Connect with friends and family regularly.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to someone about it – a doctor or a therapist who can help you identify stressors and help you to manage stress and anxiety
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Get regular health screenings and stay up to date with vaccinations
This may help to detect any potential illnesses or diseases early on so they may be easier to treat. Make sure you schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider.
Seek medical help when needed
It’s important to seek medical advice if you’re feeling unwell. Don’t wait too long before a health problem becomes too big to handle.
Reduce sitting and screen time
Don’t spend endless hours in front of computer or phone screens as too much screen time can be bad for your health.
It is important to take regular breaks and get up and move around throughout the day. Go for a walk, do some stretching exercises, or just stand up and move around. Try to set boundaries and you will notice that there may be improvements to your sleep and health.
In closing, prioritize your health this year. Positive results may follow! I wish you all a very “Happy New Year”.
Good Health to You All,
Karen Giblin
