Health – Health goals

It is often said that people don’t appreciate their health until it is taken away. Just ask those living with chronic pain, a shock diagnosis or any kind of debilitating illness. So whilst you might set a goal this year of a special holiday or a new hobby, why not also set some goals for your health?

Goals work because they focus on where best to spend your time and energy. Better health means different things to different people. However there are some basic health goals that all of us should aspire to: Are you getting enough sleep? A New Zealand survey showed that almost a quarter of us feel tired every day. Sleep problems have been linked to obesity, heart disease, and many other conditions which means that getting a good night’s sleep is  important for your health. If you are having trouble sleeping, seek help. • Have you heard the expression ‘you are what you eat’? We all know that we should do better with our everyday diets. More veges, more fibre and less sugar perhaps. • Exercise is not only important for your body, but also for your mind. Did you know that simply 20 minutes of exercise can lift your mood for 12 hours? Moreover, just 30 minutes of moderate activity, five days a week can also help with weight, sleep, energy and general health. • If you have been diagnosed with a long term condition and been given medication to help control that condition, it is vitally important you manage this well. Mobile phone alarms are excellent reminder systems. The latest craze in medication management is the personalised sachet. Instead of loads of tablet bottles, you can get all your medications in daily sachets which you can easily take out with you if need be. Your natural health supplements can even be included. Just talk to your local pharmacy.

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don’t much care where.
Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.
Alice: So long as I get somewhere.
Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if you only walk long enough!

It seems the Cheshire Cat was on to something. Don’t just get ‘somewhere’ this year. Set your own health goals and achieve better health in 2019.