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If you’re reading this, you may be ready to hop on board to make some big changes in 2020. You can’t reach your goals without putting some thought and work into them. The biggest thing you can do to have the “best” year is to improve not only your physical health but your mental health. Everything you want to accomplish in life starts with having a firm foundation for both of those things. Here are some ways that you can start now. 

Mentally

Smile Through Winter (SAD lights)

Winter can take a toll on your mental health. This is due to the lack of sunshine we are exposed to during the season. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 billion people are Vitamin D deficient. We suggest you not only take a supplement to help your lack of sun exposure, but also consider light therapy if you are prone to seasonal affective disorder. These lights are used by leading university researchers around the world and help expose your eyes to similar light that is given off by the sun. It’s a way of tricking your mind into thinking that it’s still summer without damaging the skin or eyes. 

Take Care of Yourself Physically

We will discuss this more later, but the key to a healthy mind is a healthy body. This means having a well-balanced, nutritious diet along with at least thirty minutes of moving your body daily. Your body will produce endorphins from the exercise and will be well-nourished and energized from the energy-giving foods you eat. 

Relax

Sometimes, you just need to say no to undertaking too many responsibilities. We may feel bad at times for letting people down and not being able to attend every social engagement. Take the time to do the things that are important to you and let go of the activities that cause you more stress than they are worth. Taking a night every now and then will help you to focus on what matters most to you. 

Choose Your Circle Wisely

Positivity is contagious, as is negativity. Choose a social circle that speaks positively about life instead of around people who grumble. Remember the advice we give our children: you become who you spend time with. 

Be Honest

Be honest with yourself and others. Holding our feelings in on important subjects only causes harm to ourselves. 

Practice Gratefulness

It seems to be human nature that it comes easier to list the things that aggravate us than the things that bring us joy. Take time each day to list three people, things or events that you are grateful for. It can be something as simple as “I’m grateful that I found a close parking spot when shopping today.” 

 

Physically

Strengthening

Strengthening your body will not only make you more capable of doing physically challenging things, but it will help to prevent injury. If you don’t feel physically ready to lift weights, that’s fine. Items like the Exercise Squeeze Egg will help prepare small, but very important muscles without using a weight. 

Wash Your Hands Regularly

An astounding only 5 percent of people wash their hands correctly after using the bathroom. To combat germs and sickness, start washing your hands more frequently. Be sure you do so before you eat. 

Eat Life-Giving Foods

Foods will either make us feel better, worse or the same. Choose healthy foods that will give you energy and make your body happy. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. 

Be Compliant with Sleep

If you have sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine, be sure you are compliant with using it every night. Sleep is incredibly important for our mental and physical health. Adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Go on Walks

Walking is great for you physically, but also mentally. A simple walk every day can reduce stress and increase happiness. If it’s difficult for you to walk, consider walking aids or bandages to help ease foot pain. 

 

If you want to have a year like you’ve never had, you need to do things you have never done. Keeping your mental and physical health up to par is equally important and we at CarePro understand just how important it is. Make sure to call us if you’re looking for help to jumpstart your health this new year, and with that, we leave you with this quote: “To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” -William Londen