How to be healthier in 2016

We’re quickly heading towards the end of January and there’s a good chance those January Blues might be kicking in around about now.The rush of excitement of that comes with a new year has died down and all that remains of Christmas is a hefty hole in the bank balance. Many of us start of new year with goals and ambitions of what we want to achieve in the year ahead. Chief among these is usually the desire to be more healthy and it’s about this time, with the dark mornings and dank weather, that those health goals start to slip.Well here’s a little secret for you; they don’t have to slip and being healthier is easier than you might think. In order to be healthy and feel good, we have to look after our physical health, emotional health and mental health. Finding balance and harmony between these is key to making a lasting change to your health and wellbeing. What’s more is if you look after one the others tend to become more healthier as a result.So what we’d say to you is, don’t let those ambitions slip! Yes, it’s getting tough now the adrenaline of a new challenge is wearing off, but you can do it.Here’s some tips and guidance to help you on your way:Exercise. There are countless short and long term benefits to regularly exercising. Our bodies weren’t designed to sit still or in front of screens day after day. Exercise is about so much more than jogging on a lonely treadmill in a soul-less gym. It’s about enjoying being active whether that’s walking, cycling, running, rowing, yoga, crossfit or just playing your favourite sport. Find an exercise you enjoy and then be disciplined about making sure you do it regularly.Nutrition. Good nutrition is about nourishing your body and mind. Ignore the fad diets, instead make a conscious effort to eat better and measure the results in the way you feel and the amount of energy you have. It’s advice you’ve heard time and again because it’s the best advice going; avoid processed foods, cut down your sugar intake and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Treats are great but if they become something you have every day they’re no longer treats!Body Function. The health of your body will directly influence the way it functions. A great example for us is oral health. People with healthy mouths are much more likely to have better health. Equally infections in the mouth can be linked with problems in other parts of the body. The same is true for the way our spine functions or the health of our muscles. So whether it’s a trip to the dentists, the chiropractor or the osteopath, make sure your body is functioning properly.Sleep & Recovery. Sleep, rest and recovery are vital components to feeling and being healthy. There are all kinds of influencers into the quality of sleep we get, both internal and external. There’s also easy things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep from not eating before you go to bed to not using your phone or laptop before you go to sleep. Give your body chance to recover and it will thank you for it.Enjoyment. Being healthy shouldn’t be a chore, it should be something you enjoy doing and part of your lifestyle. You’ll feel better, have more energy, look younger and have more of a spring in your step. What’s not to love?We’re passionate about helping all our patients on a journey towards better health and wellbeing. Good oral health and a happy smile will help you feel better and live better.If you haven’t been to see us recently why not book in for a check up and start 2016 as you mean to go on?