5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health in 2022
Increase your water intake. Many of us don’t drink enough water, which can negatively impact the functioning of many of our body’s systems. On average, women should drink about 91oz of water per day, while men should drink about 125oz. You can learn more about the importance of adequate hydration in our previous blog post.
Prioritize rest. That means work toward a consistent sleep schedule, ideally one that includes 8 hours of sleep nightly. And find moments to incorporate rest in your day to day life - even 5 minutes spent sipping your coffee and being present in the moment can do wonders for your mood and energy. Check out our 2021 post for tips on how you can improve your sleep habits & quality.
Find & practice movement that you enjoy. The New Year is a time of resolutions, and while those are wonderful, there’s a reason that many people find their exercise goals unsustainable in the long term. It can be really challenging (to say the least) to force yourself to engage in exercises that you hate. Instead, take time to experiment with what movement you enjoy - walking, dancing, competing in ultimate frisbee - there isn’t a wrong answer. Finding what works for you and what makes you excited to move can be revolutionary in changing how you feel in your body while improving your metabolic health. Once you’ve found something you enjoy, do it regularly, and take note of how it makes you feel.
Reduce your social media usage. Social media can be a wonderful way to connect, and it’s also possible to have too much of a good thing. Social media has been linked to decreased self esteem, and it can be so easy to mindlessly scroll. Lowering your screen time can help you to free up some mental space, and give you more time to spend on your hobbies and relationships.
Visit your doctor for an annual check up. It may sound like a plug, but by remembering the adage “prevention is the best medicine”, it becomes apparent why this made the list. The best way to maintain your health is to stay ahead of as many negative health outcomes as possible, and having regular physical check ups and lab work to stay aware of your health status and any issues that need to be addressed is the easiest way to improve and maintain your health.