8 ways to kick off a healthy 2022

January 5, 2022

Providence Health Team

This article was updated on January 5, 2022.

[5 MIN READ]

1. Drink More Water
Did you know proper hydration affects so many aspects of your body? From brain health and joint lubrication to healthy digestion and metabolism, water plays a very important role in your overall health. Plus, the effects of dehydration are more serious than you might think – so plan to increase your daily water intake this year.

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2. Exercise Regularly
Similar to hydration, proper exercise affects your body in many ways beyond just your physical appearance. Regular exercise can reduce depression and even improve your memory. The best part is you don’t have to dedicate a lot of time or participate in an extreme workout to reap the benefits.

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3. Plan Your Meals
One more thing to add to your to-do list, right? Actually, meal planning is a small time investment that will make your life easier throughout the week. Plus, you’ll be better able to make healthy choices when you plan ahead, no matter how stressful your week is. And, your budget loves it when you meal plan too.

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4. Take Some Time for Yourself

This may feel counterintuitive to some, especially moms, but taking time for yourself is crucial for both your mental and physical well-being. And, while you absolutely deserve self-care just for yourself, ensuring you are in tip-top shape mentally and physically will help you be your best for those who depend on you.

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5. Get More Sleep
Can you remember the last time you weren’t even a little tired? How nice would it be to take a nap right this very moment, if only to sleep away some of that pesky, constant exhaustion? Tiredness aside, did you know sleep (and getting enough of it) affects your total well-being, including your heart health?

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6. Wear Sunscreen
While outdoor activities are certainly encouraged, it’s important to armor up against the sun. Regular, daily sunscreen application is one of the best steps to prevent serious skin conditions, such as melanoma. And the younger you start developing healthy skincare habits, the better off your skin will be – and the more likely you are to protect yourself against skin cancer.

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7. Schedule Screenings

Even during a pandemic, it’s vital to keep up to date with your annual check-ups and screenings. In almost every instance, early detection gives you a far greater chance of successful treatment. With Providence’s seven safety steps, you can be assured that your safety is the top priority when scheduling a screening.

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8. Practice Mindfulness
You don’t need a psychology degree to improve your own mindfulness and self-awareness. In fact, even a basic understanding of how your mind works will help you better identify your feelings and emotions and give you a clearer lens for understanding how you navigate interpersonal interactions. With the proper mindset work, you can build a foundation for a powerful journey of self-discovery to lead a richer, more fulfilling life.

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