Small Changes Can Be Impactful

For most people, the start of a new year is time for a change – and never in our lives has improving our health in impactful ways been more critical. However, jumping into several major lifestyle changes all at once can be daunting. Making lofty goals can be overwhelm-ing and sometimes frustrating, and very often after a couple weeks, we give up. Achieving optimal health is a marathon, not a sprint, so as you make those promises to improve your daily habits, remember that small changes can greatly impact your overall health and well-being.
Like any journey, all it takes is just one step – there is a lot of power in going small, slow, and steady. Just try one simple change and see how easy it can be, such as eating one new vegetable a week or taking 10-minutes every day for movement or meditation.
One way to start is to go for a 10-minute walk daily for a week, and after a while, the 10-minutes will become easier. As you begin to feel better, increase the time by 5-minutes each day for another week – and then just keep moving.
Making big changes to your diet may be too drastic, instead try adding a vegetable to an omelet, sandwich, or wild rice for a week. If you like it, then add another new veggie the following week. Remember to relax and enjoy your meals, don’t eat too fast, and chew your food thoroughly. Adequate fluid intake is important to keep every system in the body functioning properly. Try boosting your fluid intake by eating more water-rich foods such as soups, fruits, and vegetables. Another trick is to use a larger glass with a straw to en-courage you to drink more water.
One of the most impactful ways to optimal health is to improve your sleep hygiene. Your sleep environment and certain activities leading up to sleep can be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. To fix that, one hour before bedtime, shut off all electronics such as phones, computers, and televisions. Keep your bedroom cool and turn off all the lights. If you have trouble falling asleep, try meditating or mindful breathing for 5-10 minutes before bedtime, or drift off by listening to peaceful sounds.
Making big changes to your diet, weight, or exercise may seem drastic or unrealistic, especially if you try them all at once. For a personalized plan to help you make incremental changes, call Compassionate Healthcare Associates, 661 295-7777.

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