A Healthy Start to the New Year

By Donna Stark

Are you glad that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are behind you? Now, you can focus on that one thing that everyone wishes for ... great health in the upcoming year! But with the dip in temperature and the dark, dreary days, attaining good health may feel like an uphill battle! It's during these colder months that you really have to dig deep and do everything you can to improve your well-being, and with the simple tips below, it's not as hard as you think. Take a look.

Consider Getting the Flu Shot

The cold and flu season is going to be especially precarious for some people this year, and if you are worried about falling into that category, you may want to consider getting a flu shot. Coming down with the flu is one of the most miserable things to experience, and the hit our bodies take while fighting it? Well, that can last for days, maybe even weeks. As always though, if you have any questions or concerns, just ask your primary care doctor.

Prioritize Your Sleep

It's vital that you prioritize the amount and quality of sleep you get because sleep deprivation can weaken your body's immune system and decrease its ability to fight against illness and disease. Make sure you are consistent with the times you wake up and go to bed, design a sleep-friendly environment, and aim for at least seven hours of rest each night.

Focus on a Healthy Diet

They say you are what you eat, so why would you want to fill your diet with junk? Try to eliminate, or at the very least reduce as many of the processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and calories. Choose fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, heart-healthy fats, and water instead.

Stay Home or Disinfect

If you don't need to go out, why push your luck and risk exposure? Stay home, stay warm, and stay well. There are plenty of things you can do at home for entertainment that are just as fun as going out. But, if you have to head to work or school and can't avoid leaving your home, then make sure you are keeping your workspace as healthy as it can be. Give it a daily cleaning and disinfect the area weekly.

A Healthy Start

Even though these tips will help you start the year on a healthy foot, there is still a chance you could get sick. If that happens, check in with your primary care doctor and be sure to continue with the great nutrition and quality rest. It will make all the difference in the world!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brentwood, Tenn.