January 2024 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  January 4, 2024

We have all made “New Year’s Resolutions,” but how often do we make these resolutions just to have them fall by the wayside by February?  This year let’s propose to try something new!  Instead of “Resolutions,” let’s try to make “Life Goals.”   Studies show that it takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to create a lifestyle change.    
 
Suggestions for lifestyle Goals: 
Spiritual:  Strengthen our prayer life.  Pray over our lives daily and try to expand our time with God  to thank and praise him, to seek direction, and also to request the desires of our hearts. Remember 2024 is a new year for increased faith and abundant blessings!
 
Physical: Start an exercise routine.  It can be as simple as walking in place while we are watching our favorite television program.  Exercises can also be done while sitting in a chair!  When we exercise it releases a “natural high” called endorphins which can help with depression, anxiety, and pain.  Improve our dietary choices by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, less added salt and sugar, and drinking water as our primary source of beverage.
 
Mental: We can all train our minds to react differently and positively to negative experiences.  Pray and ask for strength during times of grief or disappointment.  We can strive not to react to negativity by praying for the strength to walk away from an altercation rather than to argue or to prove a point.  When we as Christians take “the high road” and think before we speak, listen with an open mind, and silently pray before we react, we are letting our “light shine,” and those in the world will take notice.