As we embark on another year, I find myself reflecting on last year’s goals concerning my health and well-being. I dare not say these goals were resolutions, but merely changes that I recognized as necessary in order to have a better quality of living and sustained life. I thought about how each year as individuals we make countless visits to the doctor where we are told to modify our diets, exercise, and take medications as prescribed. I managed to lose weight and keep it off all year, albeit was a hard task, especially during the holidays, but nonetheless a goal that I am proud of. I wonder why it is so much easier to look to someone else for a solution, namely our doctors and others, than to make a conscious decision to bring about change within ourselves? When it comes to our health and well-being, the responsibility ultimately lies with us. How do we develop healthy habits that will enable us to reach our goal of optimal health?
Developing healthy habits begins with a goal in mind and usually consists of changes in one or more areas we deem necessary for added lifelong benefits. In many instances, even the smallest changes can reap big rewards, adding longevity, vigor, and a sense of well-being to our life. Whether your goal is weight loss, mindful eating, or better health management, the following changes can add value to your life:
1. Be mindful of what you put into your body. Large portions, saturated fats, prepackaged foods, and canned foods can contribute to sodium overload, increased cholesterol levels, unwanted calories, and additional weight gain. Instead, strive to limit these items opting for fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables most days. Be aware of obvious habits that are not conducive to you health, such as smoking or the use of non-prescribed, mood-altering substances. Check out Andrea's Gluten Free in St. Louis for gluten-free baked goods and groceries.
2. Manage your medications. Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor is vital when treating conditions that warrant medication. Discontinuing medications prior to talking to your doctor, unless advised to do so beforehand if adverse reactions occur, is ill-advised.
3. Protect your emotional well-being. Seeking emotional counsel is a personal choice. Professional counsel can have a significant impact on helping individuals cope with daily life stressors that may be overwhelming and at times debilitating. Speaking to a mental health professional can assist in helping to determine if you would benefit from counseling.
4. Get active. Studies suggest that as little as 10 minutes of activity two to three times daily can improve cardiovascular health, emotional clarity, and mood, in addition to alleviating aches and pains associated with many conditions.
5. Keep your balance. The most significant tip to ensuring that you are successful in developing these habits for optimal health is making sure that you maintain balance throughout the course of your day as you implement these changes into your lifestyle.
6. Be spiritually aware. Take time to reflect on something greater than yourself, and the things most important to your well-being. This can be helpful in achieving inner peace and self-awareness. These can include meditation, moments of gratitude, prayer, and other forms of awareness.
Ultimately, the choice to implement change starts with you. Remember to start with a goal in mind, and all else will follow.
Aline Hanrahan is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties. She specializes in individual, child, family, and marriage counseling and has serviced the mental health and public school systems for 20 years. For more info, visit alinehanrahan.com.
