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7 Essentials for Staying Healthy in the New Year

With the shift from the tumultuous pandemic of 2020 to a beacon of hope that comes with 2021, staying healthy is on the forefront of people’s New Year’s resolutions. However, while the pandemic continues into 2021, here are some essentials to help you stay healthy as we enter the New Year: 

1. Mask Up! 

As you know, masks have become the most important fashion of the 2020’s. Masks are important for keeping yourself and others safe from the spread of COVID-19 germs. 

As disposable masks have become more available, stock up on masks so you can head out into the public safely. 

2. Protect yourself

Glove up before you head to the grocery store to keep yourself clean from germs. However, be mindful about how you handle your gloves: don’t touch your face or phone to avoid cross-contamination of germs. 

If you are running a business during the pandemic, it doesn’t hurt to have gloves on hand for those around you to use while they shop. Buying bulk nitrile gloves can help ensure the health of you, your employees, and your customers. 

3. Wash your hands and sanitize frequently

washing hands
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

The best way to help keep yourself safe is to wash your hands. Be sure to lather and wash for 20 seconds, or the length of singing “Happy Birthday” twice. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. 

In situations where you cannot wash your hands immediately, you should keep hand sanitizer around to kill germs. By keeping a supply of hand sanitizer in your car, or a travel-sized hand sanitizer in your bag, you can avoid going without ensuring your cleanliness while on the go. 

4. Catch Some ZzZs

Sleep is so important for staying healthy. Sleep experts recommend an average of 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to help improve your immune system. While sleep can help improve your physical health, it can also have major benefits for your mental health and well-being. Poor sleep is linked to higher levels of depression. People who sleep more can concentrate at a higher level, which leads to higher productivity levels. 

While you may sleep the recommended amount, make sure to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Variation in your sleep schedule can disrupt your circadian rhythm. While it may be tempting to turn off your alarm on the weekend, try not to alter your sleep and wake schedule by more than an hour. 

5. Stay active 

Running
Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

Exercise can make all the difference. Even something as simple as adding a walk to your routine to get your heart rate up can help you stay healthy. You can buy some weights or a weighted jump rope to get yourself moving at home. If you’re committed to creating an at-home gym, you can buy a stationary bike or an elliptical to help with your cardio. 

6. Hydrate 

It is typically recommended to drink approximately eight glasses of water, two liters, or half a gallon of water a day to keep a consistent hydration level. However, this figure can alter based on various features: where you live, your health, your diet, or how active you are. With modern technologies, there are now smart water bottles to help you keep track of your water intake and send you reminders to drink your water. With these options available, you have no good reason for not staying hydrated. 

7. Maintain a healthy outlook

While things may not be going the way you expected, you should try to keep a positive outlook. By learning to manage stress and anxiety, you can help avoid the negative effects of stress on your physical and mental health. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to start talking to a professional. Stay in touch with family and friends. 

Use a mask
Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

There are many ways to improve your health, and they can easily be introduced to your daily routine to make a major difference to your health. As 2021 may throw unpredictable situations at us, staying healthy should stay at the forefront of your goals for this year. 

Featured Photo by Atoms on Unsplash