7 Steps To Make 2020 the Healthiest Year Yet

It might be an understatement to say this year has seen some difficult times. Turmoil in the world is all the more reason to turn your attention inward and focus on your own health. Taking steps to improve your health can help reduce stress, boost your immune system and ease everyday aches and pains. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make 2020 your healthiest year yet.

1. Establish Your Baseline Health

Every journey has a starting point, and the journey to a healthier you should start at the doctor's office. Schedule an annual physical so you can establish a baseline. This is the starting point where you will work as you strive toward healthier choices. An open line of communication with your healthcare provider can be a lifeline if you have difficulty. If you have any questions or concerns, you should bring them up here. Establish the cause of any abnormal test results so you can minimize complications as you revamp your lifestyle.

2. Set SMART Goals

You know where you are, but now you need to decide where you are going. You may have an ultimate goal in mind for what you want to achieve, but you will be better served by breaking that down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Experts recommend using a SMART goal system to achieve the best results. Under this template, all goals should be:

Specific: Give an exact accounting of what you will achieve, such as lowering your LDL by 10 points.

Measurable: Each goal should have a measurement system to track progress. In this example, you are measuring the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood-work.

Attainable: Unattainable, pie-in-the-sky goals have no place in establishing real lifestyle change. Set goals that are realistic and achievable, yet still challenging.

Relevant: Does your goal feed into your larger objective? If not, try reworking it. Here, lower LDL levels are an indicator of improved health.

Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goal. Make it long enough to be possible, but short enough to keep you focused, such as two weeks or a month.

3. Increase Your Activity Levels

Moving more is one of the best ways to improve your health. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. That doesn't mean you have to devote hours every day to hitting the gym. Find an activity or two that you enjoy and schedule them into your regular routine. If you don't know where to start, try looking at local activity clubs where you live. You may find groups that walk, hike, ride bikes or garden that are looking for new members.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your body needs fuel for all of that activity. Don't give it just any old food, though. Instead, focus on getting the nutrients you need to perform your best and get healthier. There has been a lot of research into how the gut microbiome affects overall health outcomes, so a diet rich in fiber and probiotics is a great option. Supplements like those made at Unify Health by Randy Jackson can help you meet nutritional needs and restore gut health.

5. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

Don't forget to leave time to unwind and relax. Your body needs roughly eight hours of sleep each night to recharge and repair any damage done during the day. Try using a relaxation technique or adding a few yoga stretches to your nightly routine to transition your body to a restful state.

6. Track Your Progress

Keep a health journal to record your journey. This will be an invaluable tool as you find what works and what doesn't. You can use an old fashioned pen and paper method or one of the numerous fitness tracking apps that are available for download.

7. Celebrate Your Victories

You've worked hard, celebrate it. Even if they are small ones, celebrate all of your victories by taking the time to acknowledge what you have achieved and share it with friends and family.

Improving your overall health will help you through uncertain times. Set SMART goals and take concrete steps to work toward them to make 2020 your healthiest year ever.