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Resolving for a Healthier New Year

Michael L Goldblatt

Resolving for a Healthier New Year
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New Year's resolutions originated over 4,000 years ago with the annual custom of making promises to the gods for benevolence. In modern times, New Year resolutions have become promises to oneself for personal improvement. Below is a list of resolutions for a healthier life. Select a few of them as goals for the New Year to improve your well-being. For help implementing the resolutions, see the articles, books, reviews, and websites listed at the end of this article.

Resolutions

Avoid Digital Addiction - Avoid digital addiction by turning off notifications, putting devices away during family time, and setting daily time limits on personal use of email and social media.

Be Active - Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week. Get up from your desk at least hourly for a short walk. 

Control Stress - Use daily meditation, deep breathing, and journaling to reduce stress. Listen to meditation music before bedtime.

Drink Water - Drink water throughout the day to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, prevent infections, and keep organs functioning.

Eat Well - Eat a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods.

Get Physical - Stand up when possible while working and take exercise breaks. Go for a walk after meals. Track your activity using a fitness app.

Keep Social - Stay connected with associates, clients, family, and friends with weekly calls and visits. Attend seminars, social gatherings, and religious services.

Limit Screen Time - Take an hourly break to get up from your desk for physical activity and mental rest. Turn off notifications on computers and phones to eliminate distractions.

Seek Help - Avoid work overloads by hiring help on a part-time or temporary basis. Contact health care professionals if you are feeling anxious, sick, or depressed.

Stay Rested Get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Your body needs sleep to consolidate memory, decompress, and rebuild cells.

Use Proper Ergonomics - Be mindful of ergonomics at work. Keep your arms bent at a 90-degree angle. Adjust your monitor so that your eyes are level with the top of it.  Consider using a standup desk or get up for frequent walks.

Conclusion

Healthy lifestyles help us feel better, avoid disease, and lengthen our lifespans. Stay well by eating nutritious foods, taking daily walks, and staying socially connected. Talk to your doctor for more recommendations. For additional help, check the resources at the end of this article. Resolve to adopt healthy habits for a better New Year!

Resources

Articles

Mary Dunkin, 6 Immune System Busters & Boosters, WebMd, Jun. 18, 2021

Anahad O'Connor, What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? What Should I Eat Instead, Washington Post, Sep. 27, 2022.

Matthew Yospin, Ergonomics, One Lawyer's Journey, Law Technology Today, Apr. 6,

Sharon Nelson and John Simek, Lawyers Need a Digital Detox, Wisconsin Lawyer, Nov. 13, 2018.

Staff, 7 Tips to Live a Happier Life, Speaking of Health, Aug. 9, 2022.

Sam Rosenthal, Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness: Changing the Conversation, Clio Blog, Jun. 17, 2022.

Staff, Healthy Living Guide, Harvard School of Public Health, Jan. 4, 2022.

Books

Jeena Cho and Karen Gifford, The Anxious Lawyer: An 8-Week Guide to a Joyful and Satisfying Law Practice Through Mindfulness and Meditation, ABA Book Publ., Jul. 13, 2022.

Hallie Love and Nathalie Martin, Yoga for Lawyers: Mind-Body Techniques to Feel Better All the Time, ABA Book Publ., Mar 19, 2014.

Sanjeev Nanda, Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide, 2d Ed: What You Need to Know About Signs, Symptons, and Treatment, Mayo Clinic Press, Jan. 31, 2023.

Stewart Levine, The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness, ABA Book Publ., Aug. 23, 2018.

Reviews

Ann Moscaritolo,The Ultimate Guide to Health and Fitness Tech for 2022, PC Magazine, Feb. 28, 2022.

Rachel Link, A Dietitian's Picks of the 10 Best Nutrition Apps to Download, Healthline, Oct. 13, 2022.

Joslyn Timmons and Emma Caplan, 12 of the Best Meditation Apps of 2022, Healthline, Apr, 22, 2022.

Jill Duffy, The Best Workout Apps for 2022, PC Magazine, Nov. 29, 2021.

Websites

Harvard Health

Mayo Clinic

WebMD

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