With the new year here, there is a lot going on all at once; chaos of the start of 2023 for many families, especially as children are going back to school after the holiday break and many individuals are bringing their new year goals to life – balance is the name of the game! Prioritizing your self-care will always help you take charge of each aspect of your life because you’re taking care of your well-being.
We’ve accumulated a list of tips to put your self-care as your main goal of the year and make sure you feel your best. A quick visit to the medical clinic for a check-up can also be a great way to get everything looked at and where in your health you can put more focus towards.
Health Tips: Body
- Get Your Body Moving. Many people don’t realize how little movements throughout our day really help keep your body moving smoothly. Simple stretches each day will help loosen your muscles and make it easier to move around throughout the day. Try aiming for at least 100-150 minutes a week of active movement. This can be simply 10-20 minutes a day of gentle exercise.
- Fuel Your Body with Nutrients. Healthy foods will be a great source of energy and focus while also helping reduce risks of chronic conditions that can form from unhealthy food choices. Eating balanced meals throughout the day that have a mix of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products is the best way to keep your body feeling nourished.
- Re-Energize with Proper Sleep. Sleeping is a natural and great way to heal our bodies. Throughout the time we are sleeping, our bodies are slowly working towards detoxing and healing from the inside out. Adults should be sleeping at least seven to nine hours a night for optimal health and energy. To ensure you fall asleep and stay asleep, try going electronic-free at least 30 minutes before bedtime and dimming your lights down to increase your relaxation.
Health Tips: Mind
- Relaxing Your Thoughts. Oftentimes adults find themselves overthinking the little things in their everyday lives, understandably so, there is a lot going on each day and everyone is trying to get a handle on it all. Try removing yourself from anything that takes you out of feeling relaxed – Go into a quiet room, close your eyes, and take long deep breaths. Listening to slow and soft music can also encourage relaxation.
- Taking Time for Breaks. Remembering to take a few minute breaks here and there throughout your day will help you better manage your tasks and also give you time to re-group any stressful moments in the day. It’s also important to take breaks during your week to spend time on any of your hobbies like reading, music, etc.
- Ask for Help When Overwhelmed. We all feel stressed and overwhelmed every now and then, it’s a human emotion. Don’t let yourself drown in the feelings but ask for help from those around you or from your physician if you notice nothing is helping you feel better.
Taking the time to care for yourself allows you the ability to help those around you that you love instead of feeling drained. Ensuring your self-care is a priority makes your healthcare easier to maintain.
Schedule an Appointment for a Check-Up
The health benefits of making regular appointments with your physician – and not only when you are feeling under the weather – cannot be overstated. Annual physicals and screening appointments are crucial for identifying life-altering medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease early when treatment is more likely to succeed. The screening tests your physician orders will vary depending on your age, gender, and overall health.
Woodlands Diagnostic Clinic is an internal and family medicine practice providing compassionate, high-quality patient-centered care at our conveniently located medical clinic in Shenandoah, Texas. Our physicians are committed to optimizing the health and well-being of patients through preventive care and diagnostic care. To schedule a checkup or another appointment, please contact us today!