Suggestions for Taking Care of Yourself in the New Year
If you’re still looking for inspiration to make some meaningful resolutions for the new year, don’t worry! We’ve tied up a whole bundle of healthful boosters guaranteed to take you beyond good intentions and into the realm of better self-care in 2022.
The past two years have served to bring us all into a higher level of awareness about our health. This proved, among other things, that we could all use a little pampering. We offer the below suggestions from experts in five topics to help you look better, feel better, and garner a little resolve to take even better care of yourself in the new year.
Fitness
Few things are more important for one’s health than keeping physically fit. Regular exercise and physical activity can help:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Raise your energy levels
- Promote good cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Build strong bones and muscles
- Reduce your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
In short, it also boosts your mental health and overall quality of life.
Matt Kollat, fitness and nutrition writer for T3, covers just about everything you need to know to help you build a successful fitness plan for the new year with his article “Get Fit for 2022: T3’s Best Home Workout and Diet Tips to Help You Get in Shape This Year,” complete with diet tips and exercises for beginners. No more excuses!
Nutrition
Being healthy and staying healthy really does begin with what we eat. If you could use a few pointers to help break some bad dietary habits and are willing to replace them with better ones, check out Medical News Today’s advice in their helpful guide, “29 Nutrition Tips for Better Health and Longevity.”
If 29 tips seem a bit hard to swallow all at once, start with some of your favorites. Then, add a few of these sensible suggestions at your own pace. This piece covers information on what to eat, what to drink and what to avoid as well as helpful tips on everything from getting out of meal ruts to learning how to eat mindfully.
Skin, Nails and Hair
Speaking of nutrition, you probably already know that eating well not only helps keep your internal organs working properly, but it shows up visibly in your smooth skin, strong nails, and shiny hair.
“Eight Steps to Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails” on the Healthy Food Guide site outlines foods and supplements that can keep your hair, nails and skin healthy, along with foods to avoid, diet myths, and even an “ultimate beauty menu” to use as a meal guide.
Sleep
It’s probably no surprise to hear that getting a good night’s sleep is more important than most of us realize.
Sleep deprivation can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hormone disruption
- Negative effects on your brain function, stress levels, exercise performance, and circadian rhythm
What’s the alternative? Healthline’s “17 Proven Tips to Sleep Better at Night” will tell you it’s less hunger, better exercise performance, and a healthier, more rested you.
Mental Health
People of all ages and walks of life have experienced a rise in mental health difficulties since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trying circumstances have left many with uncertainties, anxiety and, often, loneliness.
For those who have endured these struggles that are affecting their everyday thinking, mood, and behavior, at least two positive outcomes continue to emerge: a much more open dialog has opened up about mental health, and more resources have become available to aid with their recovery.
If you or someone you know needs help, MentalHealth.gov is a great resource to start your search. You’ll find information about early warning signs, the importance of prevention, recovery goals, mental health myths, and examining mental health through the different perspectives of the patients, their families, caregivers, educators, and others. Also included is information about insurance options and financial aid.
Stay Healthy with Farm Bureau Insurance
Another way to stay healthy in 2022 is by being proactive about preventive health care. Did you know that Farm Bureau Insurance offers health, dental, and group insurance benefits through Arkansas Blue Cross BlueShield? Our partnership allows us to extend a full portfolio of health benefits to our members. Learn more by contacting a local Farm Bureau insurance agent using our Agent Finder.