Movement is Medicine! 5 Reasons to Restart Your Healthy Routines this Month
January is traditionally the time of year we reflect and decide on our resolutions for the new year. After the many indulgences over the holiday season, many of us want to reset priorities and make resolutions for the year. Health, wellness, and weight loss are often goals set in January that are forgotten by February. It is hard to find motivation amidst a pandemic, winter months, and everyday life. We are here to help! Read on for five reasons on why now is the perfect time to (re)start healthy habits and to set achievable goals.
1. Movement is Medicine
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should be getting 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. January is the perfect time to set “do what, by when” goals that are time bound and measurable. This can be done by exercising for 50 minutes, 3 days a week or exercising 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Regardless of if you achieved your goal or not, reflect why. Prioritize and incorporate this reflection and awareness into your weekly practice.
2. Boost Your Heart Health
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Exercising can help reduce body weight, reduce blood pressure, reduce bad (LDL and total) cholesterol, increase good (HDL) cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity. All of these help contribute to better overall, total joint, and heart health.
3. Boost Your Mood with Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise helps your body produce endorphins, which relieve pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. During the cold, dark winter months, it is easy to fall into a bad mood. Endorphins released by exercise can help to boost our seasonal moods and overall outlook.
4. Destress and put the Holidays Behind You
The holidays are often a time filled with indulgence and high stress. With the holidays behind us, it’s the perfect time to give your body a refresh. Yoga is an ideal practice to bring into your daily life, as it is proven to help you destress. When you have a clear mind, you are able to make clear choices when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing.
5. Achieve Better Bone & Joint Health
Feeling sluggish after the holidays, especially in the winter months is common. Finding motivation can be hard. One tool is to remind yourself that creating healthy habits improves overall bone and joint health. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase mobility, or reach your 10,000 step goal, you are making changes that will benefit your bones and joints in the future.
