Healthwise: Small Changes, Big Results

As we inch towards the end of the year and prepare for a clean slate in 2013, it is important to prioritize our individual wellness. By “wellness” I mean mental and physical health, life satisfaction and a sense of overall wellbeing.  It is easy to get caught up in the daily grind of studying, working, raising kids and the whole gamut of responsibilities that come along with adulthood. Despite these responsibilities, and more specifically becauseof them, we owe it to ourselves to prioritize our wellness and invest the time to ensure physical and emotional balance.

It is known that constant high levels of stress can be detrimental to your health and can shorten your life expectancy. That is why it is so important to develop effective stress management techniques. Ask yourself, what one small change could you incorporate into your routine to better your wellbeing? It is important to first identify the change that you are yearning for, then find a way to mend the gap. How can you get out of your rut?

Here are some suggestions of easy ways to improve your health:

• Head outdoors for a walk on your lunch break
• Eat one more piece of fruit per day
• Drink more water
• Cut back on one cup of coffee
• Meditate for five minutes before bed
• Join a book club
• Have lunch with a friend instead of eating at your desk
• Have dinner as a family

No matter your definition of wellness, the key is to make one small change that you can consistently maintain. If you set unrealistic goals, you risk being discouraged and abandoning your new habit.  It may surprise you how making some time for yourself can help reduce generalized stress and improve your sense of happiness. Go on, try it!