Tag Archives: new year

StockSnap_WQYC8SE7I9

Make 2017 Your Happiest, Healthiest Year Yet (Part 2)

Health Tips, , , , , ,

As the next year quickly approaches many of us get excited about making resolutions to make the New Year the healthiest and happiest one, but often end up disappointed that these plans didn’t quite pan out. Sometimes that is because we don’t stop to think about just how important these changes can be and how they often act as dominoes to the next important change. In order to live an overall happy and healthy life, many things need to be balanced such as sleep, diet, fitness, stress level and mental health. Last time we looked at how to better mental well-being, nutrition and fitness, next up are:

Score Great Sleeps

Adequate sleep is a pillar of good health. Are you getting at least 6 hours a night? The goal is between 6-9 hours of sleep every night, getting less or more than that could lead to chronic lethargy or worse. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH), not getting enough sleep over the long-term can contribute to mental and physical health problems, quality of life as well as safety. Do you want to know if your sleeping habits are on target? Take our quiz.

Rely on Relaxation

Our world is a stressful one. Between over-working, technology over-use and hefty financial demands, it is easy to find one’s self chronically stressed. When you are in a state of near-constant stress, your cortisol and adrenaline levels are out of whack (thanks to our innate fight-or-flight response to potential threats). This is a bigger problem than you may think. Chronic stress can exacerbation nearly every existing health problem. Therefor, it is of utmost importance that you work to lower your stress level if it is elevated. How? There are many things you can do between taking up meditation, getting massages, exercising regularly or talking to a therapist. Check out these 10 helpful tactics in our Stress Busters post.

Happify Your Heart

Aside from lowering your stress, it is also important to set aside time in your daily life to do things you love and are passionate about. Whether that means a daily drawing or painting session, some routine woodworking, or cuddles with your pet or significant other, make sure you allot yourself time for what makes you smile. All too often we get stuck on autopilot running errands, driving the kids around, doing housework, and before you know it another day is done. It is so important to shake that routine up with things that make you truly happy. This will aid in your sleep, stress level and mental health, greatly improving your quality of life.

So, make 2017 the Year of You and get your life back in balance by working on each of these areas. Thanks for visiting DocChat, we wish you all the happiness 2017 can bring!

 

Make 2017 Your Happiest, Healthiest Year Yet (Part 1)

Uncategorized, , , , ,

At the end of every year we all get hyped up to make positive changes but unfortunately, these changes don’t always happen as we’d hoped. Sometimes it could be because we make one change and are dumbfounded that it didn’t drastically improve quality of life. However, in order to live an overall happy and healthy life, many things need to be optimally balanced such as sleep, diet, fitness, stress level and mental health. It is so important to make sure each of these areas are in check. How? Let’s take a look at some helpful hints to help you better manage these important zones of well-being:

Mind Your Mind

A healthy mind is essential to your well-being. Whether you have a mental health condition like depressive disorder that may require therapy, or you have a surplus of anxiety or stress and can learn to wind down yourself, do what you need to do this year to get your mind in check. If you have jitters you can’t overcome, the blues or a confidence problem, there’s no shame in seeking some counseling just to get a few tips on how to curb those issues. A therapy session or two could benefit (almost) anyone, so if you feel you need a little boost when it comes to your mental well-being, book an appointment today.

Do Your Diet Right

If you’re fueling your body with sub-par substances like chips, alcohol, take-out and other empty calories, you’re likely to be sluggish, out-of-shape, and not to mention, chronically under performing on daily duties and tasks. You’ll see a difference in your quality of life if you give your body what it wants and needs: insoluble fiber, plenty of water, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll have more energy than you know what to do with. You’ll be your optimal self, ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Not only will you feel more energized, but you’ll be more inclined to routinely exercise as well. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand; if one suffers, the other often will as well. If you eat poorly, you have no energy to exercise, becoming a vicious circle only you can break.

Watch Your Weight

Just as it is essential to stock up on healthy fuel for the body, it is equally important to keep your body fit. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-strenuous exercise every week to maintain good health. Are you getting at least half an hour 5 days a week of heart-pumping exercise? If not, its time to renegotiate your fitness goals. Extra weight can directly contribute to many life-threatening and life-impeding illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory illness, organ failure and even cancer. If you are keen on a sickness-free future, it is time to shed as many excess pounds as you can through healthy nutrition and regular exercise. Not sure what kind to try? Ease in to something simple like short daily walks or swimming every second day.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more great life-balancing tips! Thanks for visiting DocChat. Remember, our board-certified physicians re standing by 24/7/365 to assist you with any health inquiries.