Set your 2023 up for whole-body health success!

The new year is a great time to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Even if you’re starting out a bit late, it’s always a good idea to establish healthy habits in your day-to-day life. These 7 examples are easy to get started with and can have a major impact on your continued health.

1. Take a closer look at your nutrition.

Eating healthier is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. This year, you can implement a few simple steps to make the habit stick. One of the simplest ways to do so is to eat more fruits and vegetables, even if you aren’t carefully planning recipes.

Fruits and vegetables are less calorie dense and contain more vitamins and minerals than most other foods. You can still eat well and enjoy new dishes by making the most of healthy yet exciting recipes.

2. Stay active every day.

The most important thing for people with New Year’s resolutions geared toward exercise is consistency. Finding ways to stay active every day can have a bigger impact than visiting the gym sporadically. For example, consider simple bodyweight routines you can fit into your existing schedule.

Of course, physical activity doesn’t have to be rigorously regimented. Instead, you can find fun activities to do with your family year-round. Plenty of sports, games, or simple outdoor excursions can get your blood pumping while also providing enriching experiences.

3. Limit screen time.

This new year, you can take steps to better yourself by limiting screen time. While watching various types of media can be a fun and engaging part of your life, most people would agree that they take it a bit too far.

Setting reasonable limits frees up more time for other activities in your life. You could find more time for the outdoors and other physical activities. Skipping screen time can also help manage the tendency to snack while watching your favorite videos, and dialing back on screen time can also have benefits for your sleep quality.

4. Drink more water.

Hydration is an essential part of your immediate well-being and your long-term health. You’ve likely heard the recommendation to drink eight glasses of water each day, but that isn’t a hard and fast figure. Instead, focus on drinking whenever you are thirsty and always keeping water available.

Staying hydrated can help you feel energetic throughout the day and avoid symptoms like headaches and fatigue. It also helps maintain your oral health. Drinking water regularly, especially with and after meals, helps wash away bits of food that contribute to tooth decay.

5. Learn how to manage stress.

Are you aware of the impact that stress can have on your day-to-day life and your health? Excess stress leaves you high-strung and irritable and can also impact aspects of your health, such as blood pressure. Stress is also associated with grinding your teeth, which causes wear that increases your risk of tooth decay.

Finding the right de-stressing techniques can help you manage stress even when life never seems to slow down. Regular physical activity of any kind is a great start. You can also consider meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness methods. Making sure to set aside time for friends and family can also help reduce stress in your life.

6. Take advantage of digital calendars.

There’s no reason why you need to go it alone when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. There are plenty of tools available to help, including digital calendars you can find on your phone, laptop, and other devices. With the ability to easily sync across platforms, you can always stay on top of your routine.

This can let you make better use of your free time, finding opportunities for meaningful and engaging activities. You can also keep up with all of your appointments to make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.

7. Make sure you keep up with dental appointments.

If you want to take care of your health this new year, then focusing on your oral health is important as well. You should have a routine dental exam and teeth cleaning every six months—more often for special cases. If you haven’t been doing this, it’s never too late to start prioritizing your oral health.

Teeth cleaning is essential for preventing plaque and tartar from rapidly accelerating tooth decay. Your dentist will also examine your teeth and mouth for any potential issues that could become worse over time. Keeping up with these important appointments lets you take care of your long-term oral health and the look and function of your teeth.

Your Friendly Dentist in Austin, TX

It’s easy to keep up with healthy habits for oral health when you have the right dentist for your family. The friendly, supportive team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry can provide for all of your and your family’s needs, including routine dental exams and teeth cleaning. For comprehensive and exceptional dental care, schedule your next appointment today.