Does it seem like you resolve to be healthier every year but never seem to keep that resolution? Do you ever wonder why it is so hard to stick with? Unfortunately, we tend to make goals that are very difficult to attain. But what’s worse, they are often so vague that it is hard to even know when we have succeeded.
Setting concrete, measurable targets is always better than vague goals. This year, try making a resolution to do something good for your health, but make sure it is attainable and specific. Here are some of our favorite suggestions.
Eat Veggies or Fruit with Every Meal
Vowing to “eat healthier” is an incredibly common resolution. But it is hard to measure since it is open-ended and vague. Instead, try to add a tasty fruit or vegetable to every meal. Filling up on nutrient-dense and fiber-rich produce means less room for the unhealthy stuff.
No Sugary Drinks on Weekdays
You already know sugar is bad for your teeth and your overall health. One simple way to cut back on sugar is to eliminate sugary drinks. Soda and juice are loaded with a surprising amount of sugar, and they don’t help much to fill you up. Eliminating sugary drinks is a simple way to cut your sugar intake. If you can’t handle a complete ban, try limiting yourself to one weekly indulgence.
Set a Timer When You Brush
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, at least. But most people don’t brush long enough. And it is easy to underestimate how long you spend brushing your teeth.
A super easy resolution to measure and keep is to simply set a timer each time you brush, so you will know that you are hitting that two-minute mark each time you brush. You don’t need any fancy equipment for this – your phone works fine!
Use an App to Stand More
As a society, we sit way too much, and a sedentary lifestyle means a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Resolving to stand more is easy, and you may really want to do it, but actually remembering is tough.
If you have a wearable fitness device like a watch, check your settings to see if there already is a reminder function built in, then turn it on! If not, dozens of apps are available to remind you to stand or move more. Download one to your phone and start today!
Get a Better Water Bottle
Another easy resolution to make is to drink more water. But this is hard to measure and even harder to remember. One helpful hack is to make your water bottle measure for you.
Search for a larger-sized water bottle (either big enough to contain your full day’s goal or half of it) and resolve to get through the whole bottle throughout the day (or to finish, fill, and finish again if it is half of your goal). You can even find water bottles with measurements and encouraging words written on them to help remind you of what you are trying to accomplish.
Take Time for Self-Care
It’s easy to get so busy with work, family, and life that we forget to take care of ourselves. But self-care can lower stress and risk of illness while increasing energy and productivity in the long run.
First, write down a couple of your favorite activities that you find relaxing or reinvigorating. Then, set aside time each week to dedicate to at least one of these self-care activities. Make sure to physically write it in your calendar like it is an important event (because it is!), and you will be more likely to make the time to do it.
Straighten Your Smile
Getting a straighter smile isn’t just about vanity. It is an investment in your long-term health on several levels. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean and can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these are tied to your overall health.
If you have been thinking about investing in a straighter smile with braces or clear aligners, make 2023 the year you resolve to make it happen. Schedule your consultation with our office today!
