Are you working toward a healthier life in 2024 but unsure where to start? These tips coupled with physical therapy Evansville Indiana can help you achieve your goals.
1. Annual Wellness Visits
The importance of preventative medical care is often overlooked when people establish wellness goals. That is a big mistake. This is an excellent opportunity to establish a baseline for your efforts. Instead of thinking of your doctor as someone you visit when you are sick, turn that person into a care partner for a healthier lifestyle. Some tips to help you make the most of your wellness visit include:
- Choose a care provider you are comfortable with
- Discuss any test results thoroughly
- Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns
- Make sure you understand any instructions before you leave
2. Balanced Meal Planning
A healthy, balanced diet rich in whole foods is a key ingredient in your new healthier lifestyle. The first step to achieving this is to record what you are currently eating. You can’t change what you don’t recognize, right? Keep a food journal for a week or so to get an idea of your normal patterns. Then, try making some minor changes. For example, cut down the amount of added sugars or ultra-processed foods you purchase and eat. Put healthier alternatives in their place and you are well on your way to a more balanced diet.
3. Daily Stretching & Active Mobility
Physical activity is one of the most important aspects of a healthy life. When you are just getting started, it is important to choose activities that match your ability and fitness level. Otherwise, you can easily end up frustrated or worse — injured. Consider working with a trainer who can point you in the right direction. A quick search for physical therapists near me should get you the help you need to find safe, effective exercises.
4. Stress Management
A high-stress environment can undermine all of your best efforts at achieving better health. Elevated stress disrupts multiple body functions. For starters, it is believed to affect the gut-brain connection, possibly weakening your immune system. It may also interfere with sleep, and cause headaches and irritability. While you can’t avoid it altogether, you can take steps to manage how stress affects you. There are many different management techniques, and it is important to find a few that work well for you. Some suggestions to get you started include:
- Exercise that promotes mindfulness
- breath meditation
- Creative activities (adult coloring, playing music, etc.)
- Spending time outside in nature
5. Physical Therapy Visits
Many people think of physical therapy as something you use after an injury or surgery. However, it can also help you get healthier, especially if you are just starting out with physical activity. A physical therapist will help establish safe boundaries so you increase strength, stamina, and flexibility without causing injuries. A healthier 2024 is possible with some planning and hard work. Get started on your wellness journey by searching for physical therapy near me and implementing strategies for healthy living.
