Q:I am looking to create healthier habits in the new year—what are the top three things you’d recommend working on so that I can end 2020 the healthiest I can be?
Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning theologian, once said: “To me, good health is more than just exercise and diet. It’s really a point of view and a mental attitude you have about yourself.”
Thus, to answer your question about the three things to work on to be the healthiest you can be in 2020, let’s look at the three domains of mind, body and spirit.
First, take time to learn something new on a regular basis. This could be anything simple like reading a book that may challenge your ideas about the world or something more difficult like learning a new skill, a musical instrument or a foreign language.
Even just reading the news every day or doing crossword puzzles or other brain games can increase blood flow to your brain, sharpen acuity and enhance neural connections. Make a point of having stimulating conversations with friends and family, and keep engaged with others, especially with those who may challenge your beliefs on a variety of topics.
These activities can help stave off dementia in the elderly, but can also expand the mind and keep your brain healthy for the new year.
For your body, make it a point in 2020 to establish a trusting relationship with a primary care physician and go get a check-up if you have not done so in more than a year.
Listen to your body and get to know it! If you do, you will know best when something isn’t right and can bring it up with your doctor.
Get those screening tests that your doctor has suggested that you keep delaying, like your colonoscopy or mammogram. These tests can be life-saving, and the excuses you have had for not doing them need to stop.
I have heard innumerable reasons from my patients why they have no time to get started on an exercise program or too many excuses why small changes in your diet are too hard to stick to. You don’t have to do keto or gluten free or intermittent fasting … just start by making smart choices and eat healthier!
One more “easier said than done” tip to improve your body’s general health is to get more sleep. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly can make a huge difference in both physical and mental health.
Turn off the phone, computer or television one hour earlier and start to feel the benefits immediately. You will see improvements in weight, energy and mood, and you don’t even have to leave your own bed to make this a healthy habit for 2020.
Finally, look to 2020 to make some changes that can impact your spirit. Start with making more personal connections and reduce time online.
I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into restaurants and have seen groups of friends or family sitting together but not talking because everyone is looking at a screen. Human connection is the habit that will make us all healthier for 2020.
Listen to each other, be more kind and considerate. Think about others before yourself and this will have a huge benefit to your spiritual health. Meditating, believing in a higher power or just giving back to the less fortunate can all be paths toward a healthier spirit.
With these in mind, you will be on your way to a happier and healthier 2020. Happy New Year!
Have a question for Dr. Raskin? Send it in to mypost@palipost.com.
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