Did you know that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions are never kept? It likely doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but since hindsight is 20/20 (couldn’t help a 2020 reference!), we’re here to help you come out on the right side, statistically speaking, this year!
Fortunately, since health-related resolutions tend to be some of the most popular, we’re perfectly positioned to assist. Odds are that you or someone you know has made one of these in the past. While they seem simple enough, there’s often one crucial component that’s missing: a simple plan. That’s why this year we’re offering you a three-step strategy you can easily implement. We know how this works because it’s what we do at Pravan Clinic, and we see people succeed in reaching their goals every day. Stay the course, and you’ll likely see a new and improved version of yourself by the time 2021 rolls around!
1. Invest in a Relationship with Your Doctor
Few people enjoy dealing with their doctors… coordinating the visit, killing time waiting to actually see the doctor, then feeling too rushed to really tackle anything in a productive way. We get it, it’s not fun. This is exactly why we're committed to solving many of these problems for you.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is establish a meaningful relationship with a Primary Care Physician who offers truly personalized care, starting with an annual medical evaluation. Carving out this time to compare past and present vitals, labs, and manage any new or preexisting conditions is necessary, and staying on top of this can help you avoid little problems turning into big ones.
In the event you require further care, working with a trusted primary care physician will ensure that you are directed efficiently and effectively. A Specialist is uniquely positioned to care for your specific needs, and the right primary care physician can ensure that you see the right specialist for you.
Make a resolution to be proactive when it comes to your healthcare. As with any relationship, it takes two. Your doctor can steer the course, but your outcome will be determined by your level of engagement. If there’s one thing you do, do this.
2. Find a Balance Between Diet and Exercise
Though there are many ways to lead a healthy life, two things all approaches have in common are clean eating and physical fitness, for which there are no substitutes.
Eat Well to Feel Well
So what is a balanced diet? After weeks of overindulging, this concept may seem a bit foreign. Though everyone's needs vary on an individual basis, there are some core principles that we know can benefit everyone.
When you wake up in the morning, after you drink a big glass of water, eat something that will set you up for success. There’s a tendency to skip breakfast altogether or opt for baked goods first thing in the morning, but this is not an ideal way to fuel your body. While a breakfast heavy in refined carbohydrates will result in a spike to your blood sugar and set you on a rollercoaster ride for the rest of the day, one based on whole foods that incorporates clean protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates will do just the opposite.
Beyond breakfast, we always suggest eating the rainbow (the naturally-occurring one, that is). There’s a common misconception that there’s no way to do this conveniently, but this doesn’t have to be the case. The internet is full of solid advice on this front, but if you need a little more help, you can always work with a nutritionist to find the best options based on your particular preferences.
Exercise for a Strong Body and Mind
There's a common emphasis placed on eating right and exercising for aesthetic purposes, but this ignores the many benefits they produce. Physical fitness is not only important for building a strong body, but also a strong mind. Being active on a regular basis can reduce stress, improve sleep, and bring natural harmony to the body.
As for exercise, what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for all. They key is to find something you enjoy that’s sustainable for you based on your body’s unique needs. This can be walking at a brisk pace, engaging in a mind-body practice like yoga, joining a group fitness class or recreational team sport, or something as simple as light weight or resistance training in the comfort of your own home. Though not all exercises are for everyone, your primary care physician or another health professional can make recommendations that are appropriate for you and your goals. Find something that works for you, and challenge yourself to move your body a minimum of three days a week.
3. Say Yes to Self-Care
You work hard, and you likely play hard from time to time (‘tis the season, after all!), but how do you take care of yourself? It can be hard to slow down, but a little mindfulness can go a long way. Commit to a practice that brings a sense of calm to your mind this year. Whether it's meditation, spending more time in nature, reading, or building a better bedtime routine (good sleep should never be sacrificed!), it's always important to have an "off switch" at your disposal. At Pravan Clinic we’ve incorporated Massage Therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy and IV Vitamin Drips into our offerings. Our patients are loving them, and we’re seeing some incredible results!
We know how crazy day-to-day life can be, but we also know that a little mindfulness can go a long way to combat everyday stressors. With so many options available to bring us into the present, we know that there is something for everyone here. Know that a conscious commitment to self-care really will yield significant results.
New Year (New Decade!), New You
Anything can be achieved with the right mindset and a clear course, and if you're resolved to get healthy this year, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t succeed. That said, we know life can be crazy, schedules can fly by the wayside, and even the best laid plans can fail. So if this sounds fantastic, but seems slightly intimidating, then know that there’s another option.
At Pravan Clinic we can help you with all of this, and much more. Beyond the basic (and not-so-basic) services we offer, we have next-level care coordination to ensure that even if you get off track, you get right back on. The reality is, we’ve all been in your shoes, and we want you to succeed. We’ve worked hard to crack the code, and we’re here to help you do the same!
