Striving for Better Health in the New Year
Another holiday season has come and gone. Unfortunately, many were given a gift that was not on their wish list. Whether hit with the common cold, influenza, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), COVID-19, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), many were forced to quickly change their holiday plans and opt to stay home rather than celebrate with family and friends. For others, it may not have been their physical health compromised, but their mental and emotional well-being. From unrealistic expectations, feelings of loneliness, or seasonal affective disorder, the holidays may not always be filled with joy, happiness, and celebrations. With a new year upon us, we are all given a fresh start and chance to put our health first through physical activity, proper nutrition, and taking care of our mental health.
As the clock struck midnight, some were quick to share the New Year’s resolutions they plan to embark on in 2024. However, many of these resolutions will last only a few hours, days, or weeks. Therefore, instead of setting yourself up for failure with unrealistic expectations, let’s all aim for realistic goals that are manageable. Here are five small steps you can take that can make a big impact on your health.
1. Hydrate: Drink more water by filling up a big jug with markers to keep you on track throughout the day and keep it on your desk or take it with you as you run errands. The jug itself will serve as a reminder to drink, and the markings will serve as an accountability mechanism. For flavor, consider adding fruits, vegetables, or mint or opt for sparkling or carbonated water instead of a soda. Drinking water helps your body function better from your joints and muscles to your brain and digestive tract.
2. Smart snacking: Replace sugary and salty snacks, like chips and candy, with fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and granola bars. Keep them in your car, at your desk, or in your bag, so they are always easily accessible. Convenience is key to success, so consider meal or snack prepping for the week. Food rich in nutrients and vitamins will boost your body’s immune system and help defend against illness.
3. Move More: Before rushing out to open a gym membership, commit to taking a short walk over your work breaks or opting for the stairs over the elevator. Also, learn exercises to do in combination with other tasks, like cooking, scrolling on your phone, or watching television.
4. Wash Your Hands: Hand hygiene plays a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases. Taking time to wash your hands frequently, thoroughly, and properly (particularly before and after certain activities) is the first-line defense against foodborne illness and other sicknesses. Washing your hands will get rid of germs, avoid becoming ill, and prevent spreading germs to others.
5. Practice Self-Care: Start by nurturing relationships with friends and family. Take time to catch up over coffee or a meal, or if your schedule does not permit, opt for a phone call. Practice breathing exercises to improve focus, relieve anxiety, and adopt coping strategies that help you relax and bring you joy. Make time to volunteer with causes you care about and carve out time to do things that bring you joy. Take a break from social media and do not be afraid to silence your phone or set to “do not disturb” when taking time for yourself.
These tips are a sample of the safety and health lessons children can learn when attending a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®. Through various age-appropriate, hands-on activities and demonstrations, children learn potentially life-saving messages and adopt practices to keep them and their families safer and healthier whether on the farm, on the ranch, or throughout their rural community.
The “Safety Day Corner” is a safety message by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with the mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities. Recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, the Foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program has reached millions of participants since its inception in 1995. For more information about PAF and its programs, visit: www.progressiveag.org.