Ways to Prioritize Your Health in 2022

There is no wrong time to prioritize your health, but if you’re like most people and realize you may have been putting your wellbeing on the backburner, the best time to put your health first is now.

This is easier said than done, so here are some pointers to help you jumpstart your health journey.

Cut Back on Sugar

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the majority of Americans consume too many added sugars. These come from food and drink that contain ingredients like sucrose. So, what is sucrose? Also called table sugar or cane sugar, sucrose is a commonly added sweetener. In high doses, it can lead to health problems like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and gout.

A healthy amount of sugar is different for everyone, but because of the excessive amounts already present in many diets, it is usually a good idea to cut back.

Get Active

The Mayo Clinic recommends healthy adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This can be something like hiking, mowing your lawn, biking, or swimming. Based on your current physical health, you may need more or less. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lung function, improve circulation, and boost your energy. If you need any more convincing that moving your body around during the day is good for you, the National Institutes of Health determined that leisurely physical activity extends life expectancy.

It's also a great mood booster because it increases serotonin and releases endorphins. Working more movement into your day can be as easy as parking at the back of the grocery store lot or fitting in some jumping jacks between episodes of your favorite binge-worthy show.

Stop Sitting so Much

Aside from the benefits of exercise, just the decision to stop sitting so much can have major benefits on your health. From increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol to chronic back problems, sitting for extended periods of time can wreak havoc on your body. Prolonged sitting causes joint and muscle pain that can make exercise more difficult. Take breaks from reading your book and walk around your house for a bit. Use a stability ball instead of a computer chair.

Eat the Rainbow

Meals that incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables make for a great food photo opportunity, but they aren’t just pretty to look at. Eating a wide variety of produce is great for your health. The colors are determined by the phytonutrients present in the plant, which indicates which nutrients are plentiful. Do a little research to see which colors help with which bodily functions, and make sure you are getting every color your body needs.

If you have specific nutritional requirements due to allergies or health conditions, speak with your doctor or consider consulting with a nutritionist.

Drink Water

Hydration is so important for your overall health and wellbeing. When you are dehydrated, every part of your body feels the effects. Set a timer as a reminder to take a few chugs throughout the day. Drink a glass of water when you wake up and before each meal. Your brain, bladder, kidneys, liver, heart, joints, lungs, and skin will thank you!

Consider Psychology

Mental health is health, too. Oftentimes people focus so much on their physical wellbeing that they overlook the importance of mental and emotional health. In addition to the symptoms associated with mood, focus, and memory, these conditions can present themselves in your physical body, too. Chronic joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and heart palpitations are all commonly experienced by people with mental health disorders.

Spending time outdoors, getting some exercise, and catching up on sleep can help alleviate minor mood and emotional stress. However, if you are experiencing significant or long-lasting issues, please reach out to a therapist or trusted friend for help.

Start prioritizing your physical and mental health and make this the best year yet.