As we start the new year, many of us have set resolutions to lose weight, eat better or exercise more. While these are necessary for sustaining good health throughout life, it’s also important to remember that happiness can make a big difference when it comes to your overall well-being. So, if there is one goal that we should all strive for in 2016, it’s happiness.
There’s growing evidence that a positive outlook on life, mindfulness and gratitude can offer substantial mental and physical health benefits. These include reduced risk of illnesses, including heart attacks, stroke and depression.
Some things you should consider:
Be Grateful
It can be beneficial to regularly take a moment to reflect on what you have to be grateful for or to even create a “good things” journal that you use to write down the positive events and happenings that you can go back and read when you’re feeling a little down or defeated.
Give More to Get More
It’s a simple fact that lending a hand can make you feel good, and increasingly, experts believe that it may have long-lasting health benefits that could potentially add years to your life. And, there’s an actual biochemical explanation for this: giving back releases endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers.
Declutter and Simplify
Do you feel overwhelmed by disarray in your garage, closet or kitchen? One of the most popular and widely discussed books of 2015, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, shares methods for decluttering and the impact that an organized home can have on mood and physical and mental health. While this minimalistic approach isn’t for everyone, getting rid of the extra “stuff” that adds chaos to daily life can be a surprisingly simple way to feel happier and less anxious.
Forgive Yourself
It is easy to feel guilty for indulging in a decadent dessert or missing a workout. Yet, the reality is we’re all human, and we all stray from our goals from time to time. The key is to not get frustrated or defeated by minor setbacks.
Keep It Simple
There is tremendous value in simple healthy actions such as going for a walk, getting a good night’s sleep or spending quality time with a child or elderly family member. Many of us have been conditioned to overthink what we need to do to stay healthy and feel good. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that feel the best and deliver the most impact.
In 2016, the Katz Institute for Women’s Health will continue to be here as your health care provider, with many new exciting programs, events and opportunities to help you achieve health and wellness in the coming year. For more information, call the Katz Institute for Women’s Health Resource Center at 855-850-5494 to speak to a women’s health specialist.
Dr. Stacey Rosen is the vice president for Women’s Health at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, part of Northwell Health. She is also an associate professor of dardiology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine.
