Beyond the Scale: 3 New Year’s Resolutions for Better Health

Choosing New Year’s resolutions that benefit your well-being and are sustainable all year can be challenging. Below are three resolutions that go beyond the scale and set you up for better health throughout the year.

Schedule a visit with our primary care specialists at Mansfield Primary Care Doctors in Mansfield, Texas, to maximize your physical and mental well-being. 

Choosing sustainable targets

When choosing New Year’s resolutions this year, consider small, achievable goals that will stick. Make simple lifestyle adjustments to achieve health benefits that aren’t just about a number on a scale. Begin by choosing one to three initial goals. When they become a habit, feel free to add more. 

Three simple health-related New Year’s resolutions 

Here are three examples of New Year’s resolutions that promote optimal health — no scale necessary:

Track healthy habits (water, sleep, steps, etc.)

Tracking healthy habits is an excellent way to monitor progress over time, measure goals, and maintain accountability for lasting health outcomes. Use a journal or app to track water intake, hours of sleep, and physical activity. 

Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water daily (12 cups of total fluids for women and 16 cups for men) to stay hydrated.

Set and track goals for physical activity (personalized step goals or at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily), and get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 

Complete blood work

Complete blood work this year by scheduling an annual physical. Your provider uses lab tests to screen for hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and other conditions that can affect your energy and weight. 

Blood work screens for high cholesterol, high blood sugar, chronic diseases, and additional medical concerns. It allows you to make any necessary adjustments to look and feel your best, while reducing the risk of costly medical complications. 

Your Mansfield Primary Care Doctors team can also evaluate you for mental health concerns, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other disease risk factors during a physical exam. 

Designate time to de-stress

Your mental health is as important as your physical well-being. One in four adults in the United States has depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition. To boost your mood, ease stress and anxiety, and raise your overall mental health, designate at least 10 minutes of each day to de-stress and unwind. 

Choose something you can do daily that you enjoy, such as taking a walk outside, talking with friends, journaling, reading a book, or getting a massage. Consider taking a hot bath, meditating before bed, doing yoga, or trying tai chi. 

Adding additional goals

Studies suggest that healthy habits often begin forming after two months of adopting new behavior patterns. After successfully achieving your initial goals and maintaining them for at least two months, consider adding additional resolutions if you desire. 

Book a primary care appointment today at Mansfield Primary Care Doctors to complete routine health screenings. Contact us by phone or schedule an appointment online.