Want to get rid of your bad habits? Here are eight simple ways to a happier, healthier mind, body and soul in 2010.
Family fitness
After Christmas and all the indulgence that the holiday season involves, chances are you’re not feeling at your fittest. Which is why the New Year is the perfect time to kick-start a new health regime – make it a family affair, and your kids will really benefit, too. Experts agree that setting a good example for your children by eating healthily and exercising regularly will encourage them to follow your lead.
Wondering where to start? Why not walk to the park or supermarket instead of automatically hopping in your car? And why not try to cut down on the amount of TV your household watches? It will encourage the kids to play outside, and you’ll be surprised how much extra time you have to get things done! When it comes to meal times, serve up nutritious, low-fat meals in moderate portion sizes for the kids – and you. For more great ideas on keeping your family healthy visit www.nhs.uk/Change4life
Time out
Most people aren’t at their cheeriest in January, which can lead to more arguments than normal with loved ones and colleagues. So it’s a good chance to practise your conflict resolution skills! Time-outs aren’t just for kids, when the going gets tough in 2010, try taking a break to temper your anger or anxiety. Intense discussions can lead to both parties saying things they don’t mean and will regret when they’ve calmed down. Rather than letting a disagreement spiral out of control into a full-blown argument, step away for a breather when you start to see red and then pick up where you left off when you’ve both cooled down.
Look after that smile
Too many of us Brits avoid the dentist at all costs, which could ultimately mean losing our teeth altogether, or worse… Experts agree that we should all be having our pearly whites professionally cleaned once a year, as well as having a full dental check-up to diagnose and treat any tooth decay or gum disease, and screen for oral cancer.
So make this year the one you start looking after your teeth properly. Besides regular trips to the dentist, this means brushing your gnashers thoroughly twice a day; using a mouthwash to prevent build-up of plaque which can lead to gum disease and ultimately tooth loss; and flossing every day, too.
Order, order
If you want 2010 to be as free from stress as possible, it’s time to start injecting some order into your life.
A good way to start is by using Sunday nights to plan your week so you can see what’s coming, both at work and in the home. Set aside time to exercise, straighten up your bills, and carry out household chores. And don’t forget to work in some well-deserved relaxation time such as a family walk in the country.
Getting organised also applies to your home, and spring-cleaning needn’t be confined to when the days start getting longer. January’s a great time to de-clutter, and having a place for everything will make your life that little bit easier.
Quitting time
Make 2010 the year you finally do it, and say goodbye to cigarettes for good. Smoking is one of the biggest health threats out there, so if you smoke, stopping will be the single most beneficial thing you can do for your body. Experts estimate that 90% of lung cancers result from smoking, and it can also significantly increase your risk of contracting a host of different types of cancers as well as other diseases.
Once you’ve made the decision to quit, remember you are not alone and seeking help will considerably benefit your chances of succeeding. Take a look Dr Chris’ 10-point quit plan on pg 76. And support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, or one-on-one counselling can all help. See your GP or visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree for more advice.
Deep cleanse
The New Year is a classic time for a detox. If you’re feeling sluggish, bloated and depressed – the chances are your body is awash with toxins you’ve consumed over the holiday period. To rid yourself of the bad stuff, why not try the ultimate detox – colonic irrigation. Also known as colon hydrotherapy, this treatment is a gentle internal bath which uses warm, purified water to cleanse the colon of toxic waste matter. Benefits include improved metabolism, healthier skin, more energy, fewer headaches, improved immune system and even weight loss.
Renew Medica is launching a colonic irrigation centre of excellence at its High Barnet clinic in the New Year. For more information visit www.renewmedica.com
Fake it
If you can’t bear to make 2010 the year you embrace the pale school of beauty, at least get your golden glow from a bottle rather than baking yourself on a winter beach break or indulging in regular sessions on the sunbed. More than 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV light so it’s important to be sensible when it comes to the sun.
What’s more, if you want to keep your skin wrinkle-free, it’s vital you apply a moisturiser with SPF as part of your daily skincare regime every day – no matter what the weather.
Take a nap
Research has shown that adults should be getting an average of seven hours’ sleep a night to stay in good health. Enough sleep doesn’t just boost your performance during the day but also reduces your risk of contracting heart disease, diabetes and other problems, and enhances your concentration and memory. For too many Brits, however, the number of hours spent asleep falls far short of the optimum seven.
While long-term, it’s important to up your level of nightly sleep, in the short-term sleep deprivation can be overcome with a good nap during the day – a no-cost way to better health, performance, and mood. Find a spot where you won’t be disturbed and spend 20 minutes in the land of nod.
