Between work, family and other day-to–day commitments, finding time to focus and set some health and wellbeing goals for the new year can seem impossible. However, plotting milestones that will contribute to your overall health can not only be satisfying, it can also act as important preventative measures with long term health benefits. The key is not to go too big, forcing you to make significant adjustments. Sometimes the smallest changes can be enough to set you on the right path. Here are some goal ideas to get you started…
#1 – You are what you eat
Despite most of us being taught at an early age that vegetables are nutritional gold, data suggests most Australians don’t eat enough. In fact, research shows fewer than one in 10 adults are eating enough greens each day: 96 per cent of men and 87 percent of women do not eat enough vegetables according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Taking stock of what you’re putting in your body every day is a relatively achievable goal. Try swapping out your usual morning tea processed snack with an apple or a banana. Another good tip is just having fruit and vegetables readily accessible and visible, so when you’re hungry, they’re the first things you see.
#2 – Move more
You know what they say – move it or lose it. Low levels of physical activity put you at increased risk of chronic conditions. People who don’t move enough have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia. When it comes to moving more, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to become a gym addict overnight. Consider just fine tuning what active work you’re currently doing and making small adjustments so you’re not overwhelming your body, but slowly heading towards that healthy lifestyle goal of moving more!
#3 – Sleep
Getting the right amount of shut eye is an ongoing battle for many, but it’s so important for your health and wellbeing. We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep – it’s as important to our survival as food, water or even air. When we sleep, we’re helping almost every system of the body. By not getting enough sleep, we’re increasing the risk of mental health disorders, diabetes, immunodeficiency and obesity, just to name a few.
#4 – Get back to nature by spending more time outdoors
Spending time in the fresh air can work wonders on your overall health, relieving stress, elevating your mood and even lowering your blood pressure. If you find walks boring and running on your own isn’t for you, consider looking at a sport / activity outdoors that you would like – beach yoga, netball, touch football or any outdoor sport are all good options.
#5 – Regular check ups
When it comes to your health, knowledge is key. Getting regular check ups with your GP is a powerful preventative measure to ensure any health concerns are acted on quickly. Depending on your age, regular blood tests, blood pressure checks, skin cancer checks and other screening measures are vital for early detection of specific diseases.
The team at Beach Street Family Practice offers a range of services to help you get your health back on track for 2023. From skin checks, vaccinations, mental health assessments to chronic disease management, we are here to help. Call us today on (02) 66 54 12 82 to book an appointment or pop in to see us for a friendly chat!