Every day we should be striving to improve our health outcomes. One way to do that is to set health goals. My health goals include living a long healthy life and combatting diseases. Those goals may seem great and possibly even vast to some, but the work doesn’t stop there!
Smaller goals help us to achieve our much larger goals and we happen to know of seven smaller health goals that everyone should incorporate into their daily routine. Achieving these small goals will be exactly what you need to get and keep your health on the right track.
The morning is the most important part of the day. How you start your morning sets the tone for the entire day. If you start your mornings rushed (jumping out of bed to get dressed, skipping breakfast, and heading out the door in a frazzle), then your day will be thrown off.
In the mornings take time to get up early, have a cup of tea or coffee and consider how you want your day to flow. More time in the morning gives time to focus on your tasks for the day and the people you love. For me, my routine starts with prayer, meditation, a cup of coffee, and sometimes stretching. This truly helps me set the tone for my day and helps me be more intentional.
Green leafy vegetables have many benefits including providing the iron and vitamins you need throughout the day. I recently adopted a plant-based diet and since I have been eating greens daily, it has improved my overall health. I noticed my skin is glowing, my cholesterol has decreased, and I am losing weight. Greens always do a body good.
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and to help you gain mental clarity. I use an app called Breathe, which alerts me when it’s time to take a deep breath. The app guides me on how to properly breathe and focus.
I must admit at first, I thought it was weird, but it truly has reminded me to take the time to slow down. We all need that reminder at times because we tend to get caught up in our work, failing to take much-needed breaks.
I recently started incorporating aromatherapy into my daily routine and it has been beneficial in managing my stress levels. I use Doterra pure natural oils to help me stay focused and balanced.
These oils can be used in a diffuser or on the palm to inhale. The most frequently used oils are
Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Frankincense oil, which have all been used for thousands of years to heal and increase overall health outcomes.
Water is essential for healing and maintaining good health. The more water you drink the better you will feel. Most people don’t drink enough water even though there are so many benefits to being well hydrated. Health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon daily. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember.
It will help give you glowing skin, regulate your digestive track, filter your kidneys, and help you get rid of the toxins in your body. Ever since I have adopted a plant-based diet I drink only water. No soda, no juice, no vitamin waters. All of these beverages are full of sugar. It may seem difficult, but once you remove these drinks from your diet, you’ll stop craving them completely.
Good sleep is often “slept on”. It’s an important part of having a healthy life. The goal is to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. To function at your absolute best, a full night of sleep is necessary. It is recommended that adults get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a day.
If you’re thinking “Well, I don’t get that much sleep” or “I can’t sleep that long”, you’re not alone. My patients like to say things like this and it’s my job to educate them on training their bodies to wind down at a proper time to set the mood for sleep. Good sleep hygiene includes turning off the phone, television, and lights. If you have trouble getting to sleep you can try natural remedies like lavender oils, a warm bath, or a hot cup of chamomile tea, which helps to regulate sleep.
Why so serious? While it may be hard to laugh with all that is going on around us, we must make this apart of our daily routine. Laughter strengthens the immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects against the damaging effects of stress.
Nothing works faster or more dependably than a good laugh when it comes to bringing your mind and body back into balance. Make it a habit to watch or read something funny. It can help take your mind away from the seriousness of life. Laughter is truly one of the best things you can add to your daily routine.
Overall, strive to make your health a priority and keep your health goals in front of you. Health is truly our wealth and the legacy that we leave behind.
Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com
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