Reset Your Health for Spring 

Forget New Year’s. Spring is a great time to make a few resolutions for better health — and to take the steps to actually achieve those goals. 

At Health Meets Wellness, our team is all about helping our patients hit the reset button on their wellness routines so they can play a more proactive role in staying healthy. 

This blog post reviews some of the most common health resolutions and provides simple steps to help you achieve them this spring.

“I want to be more active.”

There’s no denying the benefits of being more physically active — but the idea of daily exercise is daunting for many of us. Changing how you think about activity can be the key to committing to move more.

What to do

Being more active doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or participating in a specific sport. Instead, it can be as simple as deciding to go for a walk during your lunch break, taking up gardening, or joining online yoga or tai chi routines. Invest in a pedometer and commit to adding just 100 more steps daily until you reach your personal goal.

“I want to drink more water.”

Your body is about 60% water, which explains why even mild dehydration seriously affects your health and wellness. 

What to do

The best way to meet this goal is to buy a quality water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day. Set simple goals, like drinking half the bottle by lunchtime. 

If plain water isn’t your thing, add mint sprigs, melon chunks, cucumber, or fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice to the mix. Avoid caffeine, which can further dehydrate you.

“I want to improve my sleep.”

Who doesn't love a good night’s sleep? Yet data show Americans are chronically sleep deprived, missing out on the wide-eyed, refreshed feeling sleep can bring and the myriad health benefits restorative sleep provides.

What to do

Start improving your sleep habits by reorganizing your sleeping area, removing electronics, and creating a space solely devoted to sleep. Quality bedding, a new mattress, dim lighting, and blackout curtains can create a sleep sanctuary. 

Changing some personal nighttime habits can help. Taking a bath, listening to music, or reading something uplifting can help you relax before lights out. Avoid the news and stay off social media. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers some additional tips on its website. 

“I want to learn to eat mindfully.”

There’s a reason behind the mantra, “Food is medicine.” In fact, food is your body’s source of fuel and nutrients and is essential for health and wellness. 

What to do

Many of us eat mindlessly, grabbing whatever’s at hand or most convenient — and that often means consuming foods that just aren’t good for us. This spring, make a conscious decision to eat mindfully instead of mindlessly. These tips from Harvard University’s School of Public Health can help you get started. 

“I want to get outside more.”

New York City is home to many beautiful parks and colorful outdoor spaces. Yet, it’s all too easy to veg out in front of the TV, spend hours surfing the Internet, or post on social media.

What to do

Make a weekly date with yourself or a loved one to get out and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Ideally, choose the same day each week to make the habit easier to stick to.

Sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for physical and emotional wellness. Enjoying nature’s green spaces reduces stress, boosts mood, and even improves thought processes and cognition. Plus, scheduling weekly outings is an excellent form of self-care.

“I want to be more proactive in my health.”

This one’s easy — and we can help. Having an annual physical exam is one of the best ways to maintain your health, especially as you get older. During your physical, our team evaluates your health and wellness, providing preventive care and education tailored to your evolving health needs.

What to do

Click or call: If you’re ready to turn over a new “health” leaf this spring, our team is prepared to help. To schedule a physical exam or learn about other ways we can help you stay healthy this spring and all year round, call 934-203-8941 or request an appointment online.