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HealthyMinds/HealthyBodies January 2011
BCHHC Gage County PATCH
Each
January, roughly one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in
some way. A much smaller percentage of people actually make good on those
resolutions. While about 75 percent of people stick to their goals for at
least a week, less than half (46 percent) are still on target six months
later, a 2002 study found. It's hard to keep up the enthusiasm months
after you've swept up the confetti, but it's not impossible.
This year,
pick one or more of the following worthy resolutions, and stick with it.
Here's to your health!
Live
Your Life Well website
offers 10
evidence-based tools that support optimal mental health. They are:
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Connect with
Others.
Research
suggests that people who feel connected are happier and healthier - and
may even live longer.
-
Stay
Positive.
People who
regularly focus on the positive in their lives are less upset by painful
memories.
-
Get
Physically Active.
Exercise
relieves your tense muscles, improves your mood and sleep, and increases
your energy and strength.
-
Help Others.
Research suggests that those who consistently help other people
experience less depression, greater calm and fewer pains.
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Get Enough
Rest.
People who don't get enough sleep face a number of possible risks,
including weight gain, decreased memory, impaired driving and heart
problems.
-
Create Joy
and Satisfaction.
Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress.
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Eat Well.
Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower
the risk of developing certain diseases and influence your mood.
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Take Care of
Your Spirit.
People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer.
Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.
-
Deal Better
with Hard Times.
People who get support, problem-solve or focus on the positives in their
lives are likely to handle tough times better.
-
Get
Professional Help if You Need It.
If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or
feeling good, professional help can make a big difference.
This message
is brought to you as part of the “Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies”
educational campaign sponsored by Beatrice Community Hospital Gage County
PATCH.. For further information and resources, contact Sharon Langvardt,
MS, LIMHP, CMFT, Blue Valley Behavioral Health and Beatrice Hospital PATCH
coordinator (402) 228-3386 or
slangvardt@bvbh.net or
slangvardt@bchhc.org.
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