Reviewed by Samuel Abbas, MD
Get ready for the new year with a renewed focus on your health. January is National Staying Healthy Month. Celebrate National Staying Healthy Month throughout January to kick off the new year with a special health-focused celebration. After the previous year’s festivities, this month encourages people to embrace a healthier lifestyle by promoting wholesome routines throughout January.
Start your 2023 on the right foot by focusing on your overall well-being and self-care. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to embrace a healthier lifestyle and start new routines. You can do unlimited things to start living a healthier lifestyle. Some may be minor changes, and some may be significant changes.
It can be daunting to face and even a little discouraging if you don’t know where to start. Don’t let that stop you. The most important thing is to begin, and it will be much easier to maintain as you progress than it seems at the beginning. You will also feel healthier and see more results than if you put off starting or never begin at all.
Here are five tips to help get you started.
Schedule Your Annual Physical/Checkup
This yearly appointment is an opportunity to get an update on your overall health. Take this time to speak with your physician about your health goals and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Make Sure Your Immunizations/Vaccines are Updated
Protecting yourself from viruses and illnesses is key to staying healthy. Don’t let the flu or a seasonal illness knock you off course this year, especially if you can avoid it.
Start or Continue an Exercise Routine
Exercise is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Maintaining a consistent routine keeps your body strong and functioning as it should be. Exercise is also an outlet for stress, anxiety, frustration, and the other mental challenges we face daily. There are endless activities to get you up and your body moving.
Pick Up a New Hobby
Find a hobby that brings you joy, and you can escape. We all need something to help us process everything in our lives or at least get away from it for a short time. Choosing something you enjoy doing is an excellent outlet for you and can positively impact your overall health.
Hint: you can get two birds with one stone if you find a new hobby that is also an exercise routine.
Set Goals
The new year is a prime time to set new goals. Maybe even some new year’s resolutions. Setting goals is essential to success in anything, including your health. These provide guidance and motivation for you throughout the year so you can keep yourself on track. Remember to make your goals realistic and manageable. Use S.M.A.R.T. goals when planning…
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Timely
Remember: be kind to yourself throughout the year as you pursue your goals. All progress counts, even if you’re different from where you want to be.
We hope you have a wonderful new year and beyond filled with good health and happiness! The Galen team wants to support our patients and Chattanooga community members on their health journeys. We aim to equip you with knowledge and services to keep you well.
One final tip for the road: consistency creates miracles. Show up for yourself this year and be consistent with your healthy choices, and you’ll be a healthier version of yourself this time next week, next month, next quarter, and next year.
