4 Simple Health Resolutions for a Healthier You

Floss Your Teeth Daily

One-third of Americans only floss occasionally, missing out on the numerous benefits of this simple habit. Flossing not only fights gum disease but also promotes better heart health and improved diabetes control. To ensure you're reaping the benefits, it's essential to use the proper flossing technique: wrap the floss around each tooth and move it up and down to remove plaque and biofilm.

Don't be discouraged if your gums bleed when you start flossing regularly. This is normal and will subside over time. If the bleeding persists, it's best to consult your dentist. To make flossing a part of your routine, try stacking the habit before brushing your teeth at night. After proper flossing, you'll immediately notice the cleaner feeling in your mouth.

By incorporating daily flossing into your dental hygiene routine, you'll not only maintain a healthier smile but also reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Stand and Move Every Hour

Sitting for long periods can have detrimental effects on your health, including an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Fortunately, even short bouts of standing and movement throughout the day can make a significant difference. Research suggests that standing and moving every hour, even for just five minutes, can counteract the negative effects of excessive sitting. You can set an alarm on your phone or other devices to remind you to get up and stretch regularly.

Not only will breaking up prolonged sitting improve your overall health, but it can also have immediate benefits. You'll feel better both mentally and physically, and even a brief period of cardiovascular activity can uplift your mood.

Express Gratitude Daily

Practicing gratitude has numerous health and wellness benefits, including boosting happiness and reducing stress levels. Something as simple as thanking people who give you their time and energy can be a form of daily gratitude. For more consistency, you can keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each night. Many people have found this practice to significantly improve their mood and overall well-being.

Recognizing the reasons you have to be grateful can bring immediate gratification and lead to long-term positive mental health outcomes. Incorporating daily expressions of gratitude into your routine is a small effort with significant rewards.

Cuddle with Your Pet More

If you have a pet, you're likely aware of the positive health effects they offer through companionship and emotional support. Not only can pets reduce stress and anxiety, but they can also promote an active lifestyle. Research shows that physically interacting with pets, especially dogs, can have greater positive impacts on mental health compared to just observing them.

While stroking your pet, you may experience an immediate sense of calm and contentment. If you don't have a pet, now might be a good time to consider adding one to your family. Dogs and cats from shelters are eager to provide you with the same health benefits. However, it's important to note that getting a pet is a long-term commitment and should be carefully considered before making the decision.