New year’s resolutions are made with the best intentions but are often hard to stick to and end up being forgotten about by the end of January.
When making your list of resolutions this year try to keep them realistic so you’ll have a better chance to stick to them.
Here are some suggestions:
Staying hydrated
- Dehydration can impact how your brain, muscles and organs function.
- Generally speaking women should aim for around 8 cups of water per day and men should aim for 10 cups of water per day.
- Increase your water intake on hot days, when exercising or if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Eating well
- Try to use a variety of different foods in your diet, focusing on including each of the 5 food groups such as vegetables, fruit, grains/cereals, meats and dairy or alternatives.
- Avoid having too much of food and drinks such as highly processed, deep fried, very salty, high sugar foods, soft drinks and alcohol.
- Research new recipes to try eating food in a different way and meal plan ahead of time to avoid lacking ideas and eating takeaway instead.
Get enough sleep
- Sleep Health Foundation Australia recommended 14-17 year old’s to aim for 8-10 hours, 18-64 year old’s to aim for 7-9 hours and 65 year old’s and above to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Stay on top of your health check-ups
- Stay up to date on cancer screenings such as regular mammograms for breast cancer screening every two years for women over 50, at home bowel cancer screening kits for people over 50, and cervical cancer screening every 5 years for women over 25 years old.
- Visit your GP regularly for health check ups including to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Or try some other fun New Year’s resolutions such as:
- Read a new book each month.
- Start learning a new language.
- Take yourself out to dinner once a fortnight.
- Invest in a good skincare routine.
Find more of our health tips here.
We are back in the clinic from the 6th of January. Book an appointment here or call us on 9561 5559.
Sources:
Eat for health. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/The%20Guidelines/n55g_adult_brochure.pdf
Health Direct. 2021. Drinking water and your health. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health
Sleep Health Foundation. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/HowMuchSleep-0716.pdf