With the weather getting increasingly colder and summer nowhere in sight, and with the fun and enjoyment of the holiday season now behind us, this time of year may sometimes lead to a period of overeating and forgetting to keep a close eye on our health.
Although many experts believe it takes longer than 21 days to build a habit, give yourself the gift of establishing good habits of regular exercise, eating sensible and getting enough rest at the start of the year so you can get the year off to a good start. As the weather gets even colder in January and February, many experience a lull in their motivation to stay active and eat healthy, which can bring depression or feelings of anxiousness. It’s important to note that proper diet and exercise is required to avoid illness, which is especially important during the winter months when an estimated 20 percent of Americans will get a cold or the flu. It’s important during the winter months to avoid carb cravings. Try eating a protein-packed breakfast to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. If the urge to snack becomes overwhelming, be sure to have low-fat and healthy snacks on hand.
You’ll also want to do all you can now to adopt and stick with a weekly workout plan. Over the weekend develop and write down your exercise schedule for the following week with your exact workout routines, activities and exercises for each day, and decide how much time you can allow for each workout and plan accordingly. Knowing exactly what your workout agenda is each day makes it easier to see it through. If possible, try to align your schedule with a friend so you can encourage each other to stay with the plan.
If, during a given day, you cannot force yourself to leave your house for a workout, there are countless resources on the internet that provide fun and beneficial exercise options inside the house. Available online workouts include a focus on yoga, aerobics, strength training and other body-weight exercises, and there are numerous online resources available that will help you stay fit in the comfort of your own home.
Now that the days are shorter with less sunlight, your body will naturally want to sleep longer. Let your body wind down before going to bed and go to sleep as early as possible to give your body the rest it needs. The key to a great 2019 is totally up to you, so start now!
For additional information on staying healthy during the winter months, speak with your doctor. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317-880-7666. For more information about Eskenazi Health, please visit EskenaziHealth.edu.
Dr.Broderick Rhyant is chief physician executive at Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor.
Broderick Rhyant
