I'm back with more healthy habits for 2016! I hope you were able to incorporate the ones I shared with you last week. If you missed the first post you click here to read it. I'm back this week with part two, five more tips and tricks to get your life in perfect shape for 2016.
1. Get your Flu Shot.
I will admit this was the first year I actually got a flu shot. I have fought my husband about this advice for years. But being pregnant you don't get a choice. The simple fact is there is an annual vaccine that will protect you from getting horribly sick. My husband has spent many months working in the ICU and it is amazing how many people die of the flu. In fact as many as 45,00 Americans die a year from influenza. Not only are you protecting yourself from this, but having a baby in the dead of winter I have been adamant about people meeting our baby need to have a flu shot. There is no reason to expose our elderly, babies, and other sickly people to the flu if you can get a little shot and prevent that. I hate to finally admit that my husband was right. Also while we are on the topic of shots, you all should look into getting your Tdap.
I will admit this was the first year I actually got a flu shot. I have fought my husband about this advice for years. But being pregnant you don't get a choice. The simple fact is there is an annual vaccine that will protect you from getting horribly sick. My husband has spent many months working in the ICU and it is amazing how many people die of the flu. In fact as many as 45,00 Americans die a year from influenza. Not only are you protecting yourself from this, but having a baby in the dead of winter I have been adamant about people meeting our baby need to have a flu shot. There is no reason to expose our elderly, babies, and other sickly people to the flu if you can get a little shot and prevent that. I hate to finally admit that my husband was right. Also while we are on the topic of shots, you all should look into getting your Tdap.
2. Look At Yourself In The Mirror.... Naked!
Yes I said it, take the time when you get out of the shower to look at your body and do a skin check. I know I personally discovered a new mole that had to be removed doing this. Every once in awhile take a visual look over your WHOLE body. If you notice something weird with your skin or a new or abnormal mole or blemish contact your dermatologist. Skin cancer is a scary scary thing so stay one step ahead and keep up to date on your skin checks.
Yes I said it, take the time when you get out of the shower to look at your body and do a skin check. I know I personally discovered a new mole that had to be removed doing this. Every once in awhile take a visual look over your WHOLE body. If you notice something weird with your skin or a new or abnormal mole or blemish contact your dermatologist. Skin cancer is a scary scary thing so stay one step ahead and keep up to date on your skin checks.
3. MOVE!!
It's no secret that exercise has proven to be good for you. But more than that get off your butt at the office or at home. There is a proven link between the time you spend sitting with a greater increase in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a long list of other horrible things. So make a point to leave your office chair. A good way to do this when I worked at an office was to drink ample amounts of water. I was always getting up to refill my water bottle and use the restroom. You can also try getting a coworker to go walking at lunch, eat quickly at your desk and spend the rest of your break walking. Going to the gym is wonderful but an hour at the gym doesn't offset you sitting or laying down the other 23 hours of the day. And when you do hit the gym remember to incorporate some high intensity training. Click here for two of our favorite HIIT Workouts!
It's no secret that exercise has proven to be good for you. But more than that get off your butt at the office or at home. There is a proven link between the time you spend sitting with a greater increase in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a long list of other horrible things. So make a point to leave your office chair. A good way to do this when I worked at an office was to drink ample amounts of water. I was always getting up to refill my water bottle and use the restroom. You can also try getting a coworker to go walking at lunch, eat quickly at your desk and spend the rest of your break walking. Going to the gym is wonderful but an hour at the gym doesn't offset you sitting or laying down the other 23 hours of the day. And when you do hit the gym remember to incorporate some high intensity training. Click here for two of our favorite HIIT Workouts!
4. Enjoy Your Cup of Coffee
Studies have shown consuming caffeine in moderation from natural sources (a coffee bean or tea leaf) has positives benefits on your health. Caffeine has stimulating effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous system. It prepares the brain and body for action. Caffeine from the traditional sources (not from energy drinks and diet cokes) have anticancer properties. But remember moderation is key. Too much caffeine isn't a good thing. Also make sure you aren't packing your coffee with tons of sugar. Those starbucks white mocha's will add up with calories and sugar. Make those type of drinks a treat not an everyday must. Also if you are like me and have problems falling asleep I make a point to not have caffeine after 1 or 2 pm. If you need a boost of energy later in the day I opt for peppermint tea, although it has no caffeine peppermint is known to help wake you and your senses up! Or try going for a quick walk.
Studies have shown consuming caffeine in moderation from natural sources (a coffee bean or tea leaf) has positives benefits on your health. Caffeine has stimulating effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous system. It prepares the brain and body for action. Caffeine from the traditional sources (not from energy drinks and diet cokes) have anticancer properties. But remember moderation is key. Too much caffeine isn't a good thing. Also make sure you aren't packing your coffee with tons of sugar. Those starbucks white mocha's will add up with calories and sugar. Make those type of drinks a treat not an everyday must. Also if you are like me and have problems falling asleep I make a point to not have caffeine after 1 or 2 pm. If you need a boost of energy later in the day I opt for peppermint tea, although it has no caffeine peppermint is known to help wake you and your senses up! Or try going for a quick walk.
5. Good Posture
Practice good posture, standing up straight can make you appear younger, thinner, and overall more confident! It also is proven to be good for your health. Poor posture can lead to a crazy amount of risk factors. When I googled it I was surprised to see the non obvious things like indigestion and poor circulation. Not only does it help our health, but standing tall helps us feel better and optimistic. While your standing tall and confident, why don't you add in a smile. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, plus smiling is contagious and makes everyone feel happier!
Hope you can add these tips to your 2016 routine! I have two more weeks of tips for you so stay tuned for more. Side note, I have been going through my photos to find pictures for these tips. Mind you I don't look like any of these currently.
Cheers,
Jess
Practice good posture, standing up straight can make you appear younger, thinner, and overall more confident! It also is proven to be good for your health. Poor posture can lead to a crazy amount of risk factors. When I googled it I was surprised to see the non obvious things like indigestion and poor circulation. Not only does it help our health, but standing tall helps us feel better and optimistic. While your standing tall and confident, why don't you add in a smile. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, plus smiling is contagious and makes everyone feel happier!
Hope you can add these tips to your 2016 routine! I have two more weeks of tips for you so stay tuned for more. Side note, I have been going through my photos to find pictures for these tips. Mind you I don't look like any of these currently.
Cheers,
Jess
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