As we continue to fight against coronavirus in the new year, it’s time we make our health a priority. Our doctors from Epping Family Medical and Specialist Centre have come up with easy ways to enhance your physical and mental wellness this year.
After 2020, everyone is looking forward to a fresh start in 2021. It’s that time of the year where millions of Australians resolve to better themselves in some way.
To take advantage of this extra dose of motivation, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to set health resolutions for living a better life. Some of the most popular new year resolutions are always centred around health. This year, it’s centred around your physical health and mental wellbeing.
Here are some easy ways to enhance your overall health.
Scale up your morning routine
Morning routines are all about getting started on the right foot. An engaging morning routine will enhance your happiness, reduce your stress and prepare you for a productive day. If we start each day fresh, we can better focus on what is in front of us, where to prioritise our time and ultimately, increase our daily productivity.
As small changes have big results, scaling up your morning routine will have a compounding effect on your overall wellness.
Learn more from this guide on the ultimate morning routine to make you happy.
Spend 20 minutes on a run around your neighbourhood
Spending time outdoors in the local park or around the neighbourhood can improve your health and boosts happiness. When you exercise outside, every day can be different, which is why it’s easier to stay motivated.
According to a new study on wellness, spending just 20 minutes outdoors is enough to improve your wellbeing even if you don’t exercise during that time.
Start reading food labels when you buy food
Reading food labels can help you make the correct choices. Packaged food items and processed food have added-sugar that many people fail to know.
Most food items come with food labels. According to your health requirements, read their nutritional information before you make your purchase.
Instead of cutting out snacks, practice portion control
Giving up snacks entirely is very difficult and can result in cravings, and binge eating. Instead practice portion control. Cutting down on unhealthy snacks is an easy way to improve your diet.
One easy way to do this is to eat according to serving information on the food products.
Refill your water bottle more often
Water plays many roles in your body including maintaining blood pressure, regulating body temperature, helping in digestion of food and promoting overall health.
While everyone knows how important it is to stay hydrated, the average Australian drinks only 1.29 litres of water which is well below the recommended amount.
This new year, start drinking water from a reusable bottle. Keeping a water bottle handy while working, studying or running errands at home will constantly remind you to drink more water.
Laugh with your friends and family
Laughter is the best medicine. Having said that, sharing a laugh with your friends or family triggers healthy changes in your body.
During a laugh, our body’s oxygen level surges that lower blood pressure due to enhanced respiration. It also improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow. Moreover, it helps create a positive mood and allows the expression of happiness.
This new year, laugh more with your friends and family.
Message from Epping Family Medical and Specialist Centre
New year’s resolutions are not a destination, but a journey of your behaviours. If you really want to achieve your goals, you have to set realistic resolutions. Why not set mini resolutions to reach your desired health goals? For example, losing weight can start with drinking more water or eating an early dinner. You should know the steps that you need to take to reach your health goals.
Meeting your primary healthcare doctors can help you make the right decision.
If you would like to consult any of our doctors, book an online appointment or call us at (03) 8402 0400.
