Does anyone make New Year’s resolutions anymore? After the upheaval and unpredictability of the last few years, putting extra pressure on ourselves couldn't be less appealing.
It’s better to set some attainable health goals and build up enduring habits that will support living up to your True Potential. Diet fads, time-consuming exercise routines, and restrictive lifestyle gimmicks aren't sustainable for the long term. They often leave you frustrated, depleted, and rebellious against all the "rules" required to follow.
Yet, there are some simple, repeatable, and beneficial health hacks that almost anyone can habituate. Make these part of your functional wellness routine, and you’ll see results you’ll want to stick with: better sleep, more energy, and less illness.
Americans are chronically dehydrated. As a result, we experience fatigue, headaches, joint pain, ulcers, weight gain, high blood pressure, and kidney issues.
Water not only helps you feel better, but it also boosts cognitive functioning by increasing oxygen and blood flow to your brain.
Drinking enough water can support weight loss, too. It suppresses the appetite, flushes your system of toxins, and can even boost your metabolism, making exercise more efficient and effective.
Aim to get at least three liters of water daily (about 13 cups – that's 104 ounces) for optimal health. Another way to gauge the amount of water you need is by consuming roughly one gallon daily, or half as many ounces as your total body weight.
Some factors like caffeine, alcohol, and smoking decrease your body's hydration. Keep that in mind as you balance your hydration needs.
Eat more whole foods and fiber
Whole foods contain all the nutrition, vitamins, and minerals your body needs. A diet rich in whole foods and fiber low in sugar and saturated fats will naturally help curb cravings for junk food and overeating. It can also help you heal your gut, decreasing digestive issues like acid reflux, constipation, and food sensitivities.
Contemporary diets don’t contain enough fiber. Fiber and fiber-rich foods are an essential part of the digestion process. They have a significant impact on your health. They regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, colon cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders. It’s also well known to support healthy weight management.
Sleep plays a vital role in your physical and mental well-being. If you're tired, you're stressed, and then you make bad decisions about your health.
A shortage of sleep causes a wide range of complex health issues, including obesity, heart problems, insulin management, and mood.
If you're not getting enough sleep, check in with your doctor to rule out chronic issues like sleep apnea, snoring, or restless leg syndrome. If pain is keeping you awake, chiropractic care may help.
For common sleep issues like stress or poor evening routines, check out one of these highly-rated sleep apps for support.
Prioritize pre-emptive care
Get in front of potential health issues this year. Don't wait until something becomes a costly or long-term health problem. One simple habit to make is to Take Care of Yourself. Make those mammogram and colonoscopy appointments; see your chiropractor and nutritionist; get that annual check-up. Heading-off a health problem before it impacts your quality of life is a straightforward way to feel better in the long term.
Get started on your 2023 health goals at True Potential Chiropractic. Our whole-body, functional wellness approach to health is habit-forming! Call us today at (503) 574-4872