At Enclave at 127th Apartments, we want our
residents to live their best lives possible, and part of that is focusing on
health. Our 24-hour fitness center is open whenever you need it with cardio and
weight training equipment, plus WellBeats training programming with programs
perfect for everyone. We also know that health and wellness extends past the
physical aspects. Enjoy a good work/life balance with our business center and
coworking lounge, and when the Illinois weather cooperates lounge by the pool
or at the poolside grill.
Regardless of where you currently stand in your health
and wellness journey, we know there will be some days that are easier and some
days that are harder to focus on your goals. We’ve tried to make it as easy as
possible to stick to a healthy lifestyle at Enclave at 127th, but whether
or not you’re a resident of ours we also want to offer practical advice no
matter what kind of fitness amenities you have available. This July we’re
focusing on simple ways to improve our overall health, with tips and tricks
that go beyond the oftentimes too simple advice of “eat healthier, work out
more”.
Nearly half of all Americans make New Year’s Resolutions,
but only a measly 8% of resolution goals are met. Regardless of if you made any
resolutions or plans to be healthier back in January, now is the perfect time
to reset and refocus on your health. This year is half over, which means you
still have six months to make 2019 your healthiest year yet. Take some time to
make practical goals for the rest of the year and read on for some tips to take
steps to achieve those goals.
Water
A healthy human body is about 60-65% water. Water is
quite possibly the most important element in survival, as people have survived
upwards of three weeks without food, but most can only go three to four days
without water. Water is essential in most bodily functions, keeping your joints
working properly, digestion flowing, and temperature regulated. Even though
water is so important, the problem is we’re constantly losing water through sweat,
urination, and even breathing, and have to consistently replenish to stay
hydrated. Dehydration can lead to a multitude of health issues like tiredness
and general lack of energy, headaches, and more, and thirst can often be
mistaken for hunger which can lead to overeating or poor food choices.
Usually you hear to drink eight glasses of water per day,
and some even go as to suggest an entire gallon of water per day. Most
doctors and health care professionals say what’s more important is to simply
drink water whenever you’re thirsty. If you find remembering to regularly drink
water difficult there are several options to help. For example, there are reusable water
bottles you can buy with markings on the side, or you might want to
download an app like Plant Nanny (Apple and Android)
that will keep track of your water intake and send you push notifications
throughout the day to remind you to drink.
Sleep
Next to water, sleep is arguably the most important part
of leading a healthy life. However, again like water, sleep is oftentimes put
off or deemphasized. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to quite
a few health issues, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart failure and stroke.
Adequate sleep also helps regulate hormones, and nearly any adult can tell you someone
who hasn’t gotten enough sleep can have issues controlling their mood. Sleep
allows our brains to reset and reset, building and repairing synapses, and our
bodies to heal and repair. Adults who get at least eight hours of sleep per
night typically have overall better health, increased concentration and
productivity, healthier weight, better mood and emotion management, and more.
The irony is that even though sleep helps us be more
productive and handle stress more effectively, it seems the more hectic and
stressful life gets the less we focus on sleep. Even if you can’t find the time
to work out more, or find it difficult to stay away from unhealthy foods, by
committing the rest of 2019 to getting adequate sleep you’re guaranteed to reap
health benefits. For most adults you’ll want to aim for at least seven to eight
hours of sleep per night. If you have difficulty falling asleep make sure to
limit caffeine intake during the afternoon and evening and turn off any
screens two hours prior to bed. You can also consider keeping a sleep journal
and talking to your doctor about other ways to better your sleep.
Mental Health
Another often overlooked aspect of health and wellness is
mental health. Over the past few years it’s become less taboo to talk about
mental health, and for good reason. After all, the brain itself is an organ and
deserves to be treated as such. Mental health goes well beyond a diagnosis like
depression or anxiety (though if you do think you have a mental disorder you
should talk to your doctor, and shouldn’t feel any shame in seeking treatment).
Mental health also simply means making time for yourself, relaxing and doing
activities you enjoy other than work. Try letting out your creative side by
journaling or crafting. Also consider getting out in nature through regular hikes,
or releasing endorphins in a more gentle manner through yoga. Stress has shown
to lead to health issues and burnout, so as you’re refocusing for the rest of
2019 make sure to remember to keep your mental health in the mix!
If you have the means, consider finding a licensed
therapist or life coach as well. They can offer advice and help you tackle life’s
stressful moments in a healthier manner.
Exercise
In January we gave you five
tips to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals. Regardless of how
that’s gone for you over the past six months, don’t let anything that’s in the
past keep you from getting back on the exercise track. Think about what has and
hasn’t worked for you in the past and go from there. If you’ve had problems
committing to the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day, start
with every other day or even two to three times per week and work your way up.
Sometimes it’s better to start small with more achievable goals rather than
going too hard too fast and giving up after a week or two. Also think about unique
ways to stay active throughout the day, like going on a walk during lunch or
taking that conference call standing up rather than sitting down. Little things
can ad dup, and before you know it you’ll be crushing your health goals left
and right!
Doctor
Before starting any new diet or exercise program it’s a
good idea to check with your doctor. Remember, health looks different on every
body, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Think about
professional athletes, for example. A swimmer’s physic is much different from a
power lifter’s, and a person who’s naturally good at one may not be good at the
other. You may or may not be a professional athlete, but the same basic idea
applies to everyone. By consulting with a doctor, nutritionist, or other health
care provider you’ll be able to find what works and doesn’t work for you, and
what is best for your body. They can suggest ways to help you achieve your
goals, make a plan, and adjust as needed.
How are you planning to focus more on your health the
rest of 2019? Find us on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter to let us know!