Overview

With 2020 finally over, it’s now time to set our sights on the year ahead. Even as we continue to grapple with a dire situation here in our community, the new year is still an opportunity for renewed strength and hope. Last year’s challenges may have thrown some of your plans and goals into disarray, but it’s never too late to start working on them again. What better way to kick off 2021 than by setting your personal health goals?

While the pandemic is sure to still disrupt our lives for the coming months, with rising case numbers and a new, more contagious COVID-19 mutation, all that means that it’s more important than ever to stay safe and healthy. Plus, the COVID vaccination campaigns launching here in Sacramento and across the country mean that there are still plenty of things to look forward to this year. 

From exercises and workout routines to a healthy diet and regular check ups with your doctor, we’ve rounded up the top 5 health goals you can work towards in 2021.

1. Recalibrate Your Mindset

2020 was a stressful year for all of us. We even recorded the lowest mental and emotional health rating since 2001. However, it’s time to leave all that behind and focus on the positive things lurking on the horizon.

Let’s start with the most obvious one, the vaccine. Vaccination programs are now beginning to roll out in many areas across the country, including here in Sacramento. That means that soon enough, we might be seeing little hints of normalcy again. 

Our brains are hardwired to be biased towards negativity. That’s why it’s essential to surround yourself with positive people and think more positive thoughts. You won’t be doing yourself any favors by wallowing over last year’s painful memories. We know that it’s difficult, but try your best to count your blessings more often.

3. A Healthier Diet

If there’s one new year’s resolution we’ve all made in the past but failed to follow through, a healthy diet might be it. We’ve all been there. You make plans to eat better at the start of the year, but before you even hit the ground running, you find yourselves eating the same unhealthy foods again.

The secret to successfully shifting to a healthier diet is taking it one step at a time. Subjecting yourself to a very restrictive diet right away will only exacerbate your cravings. Changing your eating habits is a gradual process, so start with the food, like sugar, white rice, alcohol, and processed foods, that you can easily substitute out with healthier alternatives. We also recommend that you see your doctor first before embarking on any diet plan.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Despite the immense benefits of getting enough sleep, far too many people overlook it. Regularly getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night can do wonders for your health. From having a sharper mind and a better mood to a healthier heart and better weight control, getting enough sleep is vital for your overall well-being. Give your body the rest it needs so you can accomplish a lot more during the day.

4. Stay Active

We've been cooped up at home for nearly the past year due to the pandemic. However, that shouldn’t be an excuse to just lounge around all day and not do any physical activity.

As much as possible, try to sneak in a short home workout every day. Depending on your fitness level, there are plenty of home exercise variations you can do. From Pilates to weight lifting, to high-intensity interval training or HIIT, daily exercise can help prevent chronic diseases like stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Before starting a workout routine, though, it’s important to consult your doctor.

5. Still Get Regular Check-ups

If you’ve been missing your doctor’s appointments, now’s the time to change that unhealthy habit. In 2020, many people canceled their appointments and delayed their procedures out of fear of COVID-19. While it’s only proper to exercise caution in times like these, it's not an excuse to risk your general health instead.

Delaying medical care can lead to adverse consequences. There are plenty of ways to continue seeing your doctor amid the pandemic. Here at Allmed, we offer Telehealth services so you can consult your doctor for non-emergency cases in the comfort of your home. Should your condition require an in-person visit, you can rest assured that all our locations strictly follow the protocols so you can be safe in our clinics.

We Know You Can Do It!

To say that 2020 was a challenging year is a major understatement. From the pandemic to an economic recession and more, we all went through a rough patch last year. The fact, however, that you’re reading this blog and are even determined to be healthier this year means that you’ve made it through one of the most difficult times in modern history. That is no easy feat.

If you’ve endured all of last year’s challenges, then there’s nothing that can stop you from achieving these five health goals and all your other plans for 2021.