Now that 2017 is in full swing, there’s likely a list of resolutions you’ve made to help make 2017 the best year yet. Perhaps you’re already working away at your list of changes you’d like to make, or maybe you’ve only looked at it, and haven’t started on it yet. Either situation is fine, as starting slow with an intention is the best way to implement long-term change this year. For those of you who have resolutions surrounding bettering or maintaining your health, here are 5 resolutions that will give you the health boost you need, and the motivation to start working away at the rest of your list.
Get 15-20 Minutes of Direct Sun Per Day
In order for our bodies to absorb enough of the vitamin D we need, a nice dose of 15-20 minutes (depending on your skin’s pigment type) of direct sun exposure at the height of UV exposure in the afternoon (without sunscreen) is needed. If you’re going to be out any longer, put on some sunscreen after the first 15 minutes, as it blocks the absorption of vitamin D. There are other ways to get vitamin D from foods, but this is the fastest, easiest way. It is also a great way to combat certain medical problems that may present in the future. This is especially important for females, as 50% are not getting enough vitamin D.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. Sure, we don’t want to oversleep and hibernate all day, but we should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per day. When this is lacking, a sleep deficit can build up, and negative health issues may become present. Sleep research scientists have found that women need a bit more sleep than males, by about 20 minutes.
Exercise for 20 Minutes Per Day
Cardiovascular health drastically improves if we are exercising to increase our heart rate for at least 20 minutes per day. A 20-minute walk per day is powerful enough to save 37,000 lives per year, and ward off several health issues. If you’re looking to get into greater shape in 20 per minutes a day, try interval training; elevating your heart rate to 90% capacity for one minute, then cooling down for another minute, and repeating 10 times. For optimal cardio workout results without intervals, try going for 30 straight minutes per day.
Drink One Green Smoothie Per Day
Replacing one meal or snack per day with a green smoothie is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients in a delicious drink that you can take with you on the go when you’re pressed for time. Depending on what you like, try blending in fresh or frozen organic berries, bananas, kale, or spinach (any leafy green) and either fresh-squeezed fruit juice, or almond milk. You can add extra anti-oxidants to your drink with chia seeds, acai berries, wheatgrass, turmeric root, ginger and more. Some even like to add a bit of avocado, avocado oil or flaxseed oil for Omega-3. Local organic honey is also great for those with allergies, and fresh coconut, in moderation, gives a great health boost. It may not sound as delicious as it is, but the berries completely overpower the taste of the vegetables. For those of you with nut allergies, soy milk, coconut water, or vegetable juice may be used as a healthy and delicious substitute. If this sounds like too much work, we’d be happy to send over one of our Phoenix in home health care providers to assist. They can not only make the smoothies for you, but also go to the grocery store for the supplies, and even assist with the other resolutions listed above.
Practice Mindfulness: Indulging in a Hobby You Enjoy
The act of mindfulness is a powerful tool in grounding and centering when you are feeling overwhelmed, or just not feeling motivated to make the powerful changes you’ve set out to achieve in 2017. Take a few minutes per day to ground yourself, state an intention for the day, and indulge in a bit of you time–no matter how much time you have. Whatever it is that you enjoy, allow yourself a defined amount of time to focus solely on this without any distractions or guilt. This could be painting, playing a game, making crafts, watching a favorite show, spending time in nature, participating in a sport, knitting, writing, reading, playing with your pets or children, or chatting on the phone with a friend. Whatever it is that you set out to do for yourself each day, be sure to schedule it in as a priority for you, as you would anything else. You owe it to yourself to do something each day that brings you joy and helps you stay present–in the here and now. If you’re having difficulty doing things you once could, a Phoenix home care provider is available to come to your home and help, even if companionship is all you’re seeking.
You owe it to yourself to indulge in the 5 following activities. They do not have to take up too much time each day, may be multitasked together into just a few activities, and you never have to do them alone if you’re unable or unwilling to. We are here for you. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.