Every January, most of us make resolutions for the New Year, whether we follow through or not is a different matter. Top of the list for many people is losing weight. Everyone swears this year is the year thy lose 5kg.
However, besides losing weight, there are many habits you can pick up and cutivate this new year to make an overall positive impact on your health.
Invest in health insurance
This may sound unnecessary to some, and even extravagant to some others, but it really isn’t. No one can predict the future, and medical emergencies can be financially draining and sometimes the difference between life and death is being able to afford medical care. Think of health insurance as putting the money away for a rainy day. Some companies have health insurance for their employees provided by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). If this is the case for you, you should make sure you look through the paperwork to identify what exactly you’re covered for and what hospitals you can receive care at in case of an emergency. If you’re an individual you can also purchase health insurance for yourself so that you’re covered in case of an emergency.
Pay attention to your mouth
Dental care is something that is overlooked by the general population. Most of us pay more visits to our doctor than we do to the dentist. You reading this may not even be registered with a dentist. And this is not good enough, considering how much work our mouths do. We eat everyday and some of these food particles inevitably get stuck between our teeth and overtime can cause problems ranging from tooth decay to tooth loss. This year, make it part of your resolutions to see a dentist as soon as possible for a proper professional clean and also get all the dental advice you need such as why you need to floss and how often you need to change your toothbrush amongst other things. This one step can keep you smiling well into old age
Quit smoking
Smoking is a quite addictive. And it can be hard to quit. But it is possible to quit. It is also very important to quit smoking as it is directly linked to many illnesses including different types of cancer. And if you’re thinking “Oh i only smoke shisha and not cigarettes so i’m fine” you’re wrong because shisha smoking is as bad, or even worse than cigarettes. If you have tried to quit in the past, this time you could try and different method. A good place to start would be to visit a smoking cessation counsellor to address any possible underlying issues because for some people smoking addiction is also psychological. Yes it can be hard, but quitting smoking can increase your lifespan and general quality of life.
Prioritize your mental health
Mental health problems can be just as debilitating as medical illnesses and shouldn’t be ignored. Many people make light of conditions like anxiety and depression and even go ahead as saying they are not real or that they are “white people problems”. He truth is that mental health disorders have to do with actual neurotransmitters and chemicals in your brain, which is why they sometimes require medical treatment. For some people psychotherapy alone is enough. Whatever the case is, if you feel overwhelmed, like something is wrong constantly and there is no identifiable medical cause, it may be time to speak to a therapist. Remember that there is no shame in asking and seeking the help you need to be a better you.
Get more sleep
The saying “We shall sleep when we are dead” is ironic because not getting enough sleep can actually increase your pace towards death. Sleeping is beneficial to our minds and bodies and shouldn’t be ignored. A lack of sleep has been linked to conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes amongst others. So take a nap if you need one and don’t feel guilty about it.
Cut back on alcohol.
You don’t have to become a teetotaller, but as with all other things, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol. Drinking alcohol in excess affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and can increase the risk of depression, memory loss, or even seizures. Chronic heavy drinking increases the risk of liver and heart disease, kidney failure, hypertension, stroke, and mental deterioration, and even cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast. So drink alcohol with caution.
Reduce your stress.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, even more so when you’re an adult. There’s nothing wrong with a little pressure now and again, but constant stress can increase your risk of—or worsen—insomnia, depression, obesity, heart disease, and more. Long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress. So when you start to notice your stress levels are really high, don’t hesitate to step back. If you need to take leave from work, then fill out a leave request. If you can afford to travel on holiday, book that trip. If you need a few more hours of sleep then take them. You deserve rest.
So there you have it, my own suggestions on things you can start doing this new year to see an overall improvement in your life and health, beyond constantly trying to lose weight.
There may be some slip ups and back sliding along the way, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t beat yourself up about them. Make a plan, let your friends know so they can support you and keep you accountable. And be kind to yourself.
Cheers to the New Year.
