It’s never too late to improve your health, and any small step can make a difference. As 2019 ends, and we enter a new decade, take steps to live a healthier life and be a better you.
Here are a few steps you can take to be proactive about your health in 2020.
#1) Identify Ways to Be More Active
Not everyone has the time or physical ability to be more active. However, you can find ways to move around more that work for you. You can start your activity levels off small and grow into an activity level that works for you.
For example, set aside 20 minutes each day to go for a walk around the block and perform some basic stretches. Then you can move on to light exercise within your home. Before you know it, these exercises will come naturally and you can embrace the active lifestyle.
#2) Reduce (Don’t Remove) Unhealthy Eating Habits
It’s unrealistic to say you can cut out vices from your day-to-day life. Completely giving up soda, dessert, beer, or processed foods might seem like a good step toward your health, but it likely isn’t sustainable. Instead, try to find ways to cut back. Limit your alcohol consumption to the weekend or look for smaller portions of your desserts. This will have a better, long-term impact on your body than giving these unhealthy foods up entirely for a few weeks at a time.
For another example, consider how reducetarians are committed to eating less meat to help the environment but don’t completely give up meat to the point of being all-or-nothing vegetarian.
#3) Improve Your Sleep Habits
Most experts recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. For some, this seems like an impossibly high number. In 2020, work to get more sleep, but also better sleep.
For example, limit screen time before bed to help you fall asleep faster. This way, you can go to bed at the same time but spend more of it sleeping. Also, improve the amount of sleep you get in increments. Instead of trying to fall asleep at 9:00 pm to get two more hours, try to fall asleep at 10:30 instead of 11:00 pm. You can slowly adjust your body until you are getting the sleep you need.
#4) Find Health Insurance That Works
Make 2020 the year that you get health insurance or find a form of health insurance that works for you. Health insurance can give you access to preventative coverage, like annual exams and blood work.
If you cannot afford full insurance, look into alternative options, like a direct primary care plan. This is a plan that is offered by your healthcare provider, like this direct primary care plan offered by Florida Wellness, which covers basic treatment and may even cover prescription medications. This is one small step to protect your health and get the care you need in 2020.
Look Forward to a Happier, Healthier 2020
Major change starts with a few small steps. Look for ways to sustainably improve your health in 2020 so you can build good habits that last the whole year and beyond.
Florida Wellness has four locations serving Tampa Bay, offering primary care, diagnostic labs and imaging and chiropractic care. Call 844.935.5669 for a location near you!
Cover photo from Unsplash
