The Practice Motto for 2016 is:
A New Year - a New You!
Many patients find January a rather depressing time of year and we would like to challenge this by saying that it is also a time of hope, inspiration and expectation. Goal setting for a healthier lifestyle can be easy if the goals are small and therefore attainable.
We recommend January to be the month of self-reflection and planning for the New You. Here are some key areas that can be easy to 'tweak' to get a healthier result.
Exercise:
Keep it simple! Set a simple goal that matches your current fitness level. You don't need to join a gym or plan to run marathons... maybe just plan to walk a certain distance once per week. Once you achieve that it will be easier to add another walk or a swim. Use your current timetable and lifestyle to plan in something achievable - keep your goals small enough that you are guaranteed success!
Diet:
Please do not diet! Diets are faddy and don't last. Choose an unhealthy food to eliminate and swap it with something healthier. For example, exchange your morning biscuit for fruit salad. Try to limit portion sizes but allow that small square of chocolate if you are needing that cocoa fix.
Alcohol:
Lots of people go on Dry January which is great but many drop off the month-long wagon half way. Instead, try swapping alcohol for a tea, hot chocolate or smoothie mid-week and only have alcohol if you are out socially at a weekend.
Mindfulness Time:
Giving yourself time for reflection on your body and mind's health is really important. Plan the best time of your day to ask "How Am I?" and focus on your state of mind, breathing and general well-being. Remember, you buy yourself good food, pay for a gym membership etc so why wouldn't you look after your mental/emotional self too?
At Kingston & Teddington Osteopathy the practice ethos has always been:
Osteopathy is For the Whole Body and a Way to Better Health.
We can use Osteopathy as a way to help you achieve your goals. We can give advice on how to exercise safely for you individually. We can physically help you begin to achieve a healthier, happier approach to life.
So, let 2016 be the start of the New You. We wish you all a very Happy New Year.
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