3 Healthy Habits to Start in the New Year

The new year is here, and with it comes the flood of resolutions. You’re going to lose weight, save money, take that dream vacation, read more — the list goes on.

At Primora Primary Care, our resolutions for our patients revolve around keeping them healthy. This is the main goal of Dr. Varun Kommalapati and our entire team. But we also know that piling on too many complicated goals just leads to failure. For habits to stick, they have to be simple and sustainable.

With these guidelines in mind, here are three healthy habits to start in the new year.

1. Move your body every day

We’re not talking about an extensive exercise program here. Just move every day. Aim for 30 minutes of walking, but that doesn’t have to be in one chunk. Take the stairs. Park in a farther spot. Take a walk after dinner. You could also try swimming or biking if you need a non-impact exercise.

The health benefits of moving your body are too good to ignore. You’ll boost your mood, maintain or lose weight, strengthen your immune system, improve heart health, and maybe even have a little fun.

2. Prioritize sleep

If there’s one thing Americans are not good at, it’s sleep. We stay up too late, scroll on our phones in bed when we should be sleeping, and leave the TV on all night.

The remedy? Build a sustainable sleep routine. Keep your room cool and dark, go to bed at a consistent time, avoid screens and food for the last couple of hours before bedtime, and aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Your energy levels will shoot up, and your mood, hormone balance, and overall physical health will improve.

3. Eat whole foods (and drink water)

Okay, so we actually snuck two habits in here, but they’re related. Your body is only as healthy as what you put in it, so to improve your health, improve your diet. Focus on eating whole grains, fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and too much sugar, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day.

Not only will you improve your nutrition, but you’ll also give your body healthy fuel while helping manage your weight and energy levels.

Those habits weren’t so bad, right? If you’d like guidance from Dr. Kommalapati and our team as you work to establish them, we’re available. Just call our Bridgeville office to book an appointment or schedule your own time with our online scheduling tool.