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New Year, Better You: 5 Simple Health Goals to Improve Your Well-Being

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Dr. Trever Wilkins, DO
Medical Director

Welcome to the New Year, as we all try to become the best versions of ourselves. Whether you’re an athlete who wants to push their competitive edge further or someone eager for improved conditioning, nutrition, and health - it’s not too late to make this your year. To help get started on your journey toward greater well-being, we've outlined five simple health goals that can have a big impact on how you feel. From fueling up with nutritious meals to getting in more physical activity – these achievable tips will keep you focused and motivated, as well as help guide each step towards achieving better all-around wellness. So, let's take control of our health today by setting realistic goals and working towards feeling incredible by 2024!

Get enough sleep

Sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. It is during sleep that our bodies recover from the day's activities, hormone synthesis takes place, and we recharge for the next day. Poor sleep can have a drastic impact on cortisol levels, leading to increased stress, increased appetite, weight gain, poor insulin resistance, and many other negative consequences. Poor sleepers are also more likely to suffer injuries, have poor self-discipline, and experience higher levels of stress. They are also more likely to consume caffeine and other stimulants, which are not as beneficial as they may seem. Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health goals and well-being.

Participate in healthy social interactions

Social interactions play an important role in human development and overall health. Good social relationships have been linked with positive mental health outcomes, such as decreased levels of depression and anxiety, and increased self-esteem. Social interactions can help to improve cognitive function and promote brain health.

Numerous studies have shown that healthy social interactions are beneficial for the brain. For example, one study found that socially active elderly individuals had better memory function than those who were more isolated. Another study showed that rats who had regular exposure to social interaction had more robust brains than rats who did not have regular social interaction. This is likely since healthy social interactions increase neuro plasticity – the ability of the brain to change and adapt.

Social interaction is not just beneficial for mental health, but also for physical health. One study showed that people who reported having strong social ties were less likely to die from any cause over a six-year period than those who did not have strong social ties. Social support has been shown to be beneficial for those who are dealing with a chronic illness. For example, one study found that cancer patients who had strong social support networks survived longer than those who did not have strong social support networks.

Maintain an ideal body weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is an important health goal for many reasons. An ideal body weight can help improve athletic performance, reduce joint pressure and injuries, improve cardiovascular health, increase respiratory reserves, and boost social and emotional well-being.

When it comes to athletic performance, having an ideal body weight can make a big difference. Studies have shown that athletes who are overweight or obese tend to perform poorly than those who have a healthy weight. This is likely due to the fact that carrying excess weight puts added stress on the body, which can lead to decreased strength, endurance, and overall performance.

In addition to affecting athletic performance, excess weight can also lead to joint pain and injuries. When you’re carrying around too much extra baggage, it puts more strain on your joints, which can cause pain and inflammation. Over time, this can also lead to more serious joint problems such as arthritis.

Having a healthy body weight is also important for maintaining a healthy heart. Carrying too much fat around your waistline can put you at risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. This is because excess fat around the midsection increases your risk for developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

In addition to heart disease, being overweight or obese can also increase your risk for other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. This is because obesity is known to cause inflammation in the body, which can trigger the development of these diseases.

Lastly, having an ideal body weight can also boost your emotional well-being. When you feel good about your appearance, you tend to feel more confident and happier in all aspects of your life. This improved self-esteem can lead to better relationships with others and a more fulfilling life overall.

Exercise

When it comes to our health goals, exercise is one of the most important things we can do. It's essential for keeping our bodies healthy and strong, and it also has a positive impact on our mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which make us feel good, and it can help improve our moods and reduce stress levels. It's also been shown to boost cognitive function and memory, and it can even help prevent age-related cognitive decline.

So why is it so important to get regular exercise? There are no negative side effects to exercising regularly - in fact, the benefits are endless. Exercise is a great way to de-stress after a long day at work, it can help us sleep better, and it's a healthy habit to develop for both our physical and mental well-being. And the great thing is that there are lots of different types of exercise out there that we can all enjoy,

from running or biking to swimming or playing sports. So, find an activity that you love and get moving! Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Avoid unhealthy habits

It's no secret that leading a healthy lifestyle is key to living a long and happy life. But what many people don't realize is that avoiding unhealthy habits is just as important as eating right and getting enough exercise.

Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes, using drugs, and over-eating can all take a toll on our health, both in the short and long term. They can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and obesity.

In addition to being bad for our health, these unhealthy habits can also be expensive. Smoking cigarettes, for example, can cost a smoker thousands of dollars a year in medical bills and cause lost productivity.

So why do so many of us still engage in these harmful behaviors? Often it's because we're addicted to them. Cigarettes, for example, are highly addictive and can be very hard to quit.

But despite the challenges, it's important to try to break these addictions and adopt healthier habits instead. Quitting smoking, for example, can be difficult but it's worth it in the end.

Health Goals to Improve Your Well-Being

Sleep, social interaction, diet, and exercise are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. If you're not getting enough sleep, or if you're not maintaining a healthy body weight, it's time to make some changes. Exercise is crucial for both your physical and mental health. And finally, avoiding unhealthy habits is key to living a long, healthy life. At Optimize You, we can help you with all these health goals. We'll work with you to create a personalized plan that will help you get the most out of life. Contact us today to get started!

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