It’s the time of year many of us decide to become more healthy and consider new healthy ways and strategies to launch into 2017. Here at Andersen Dental Center, we have you covered! Here are ten easy-to-follow health resolutions that you can use throughout the year.

1. Drink more water

Anywhere between 55-78% of your body is composed of water. So, drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is essential to your overall health.

Getting enough water can help your mood, give you a better complexion, and fight bad breath. It’s also an excellent way to keep your mouth and teeth rinsed throughout the day, removing leftover food and bacteria and serving to prevent cavities.

2. Try stress-relief strategies

We all know that stress can contribute to major health concerns like heart disease and obesity, but did you know that stress and anxiety may also cause you to grind your teeth? You can nip this problem in the bud by finding the stress-relief method that works best for you. Here are just a few you can try out:

  • Use deep breathing
  • Do things that make you laugh
  • Exercise
  • Take a walk
  • Get in some outdoor time
  • Listen to music you enjoy
  • Try aromatherapy

There are many, many more stress relief techniques available. Try them out over the year and find the ones that work best for you!

3. Dedicate a minimum of eight minutes every night for self-care

Having a bedtime routine can go far in helping you get a better night sleep. Give yourself at least eight minutes of “me time” every night and go through your routine.

Having this distraction-free time can help you remember to do oral care activities like brushing and flossing. It will also allow you some time to practice aromatherapy, wash your face, or read the next couple of pages in your favorite book.

4. Substitute chips with raw, crunchy fruits and veggies

Almost everyone has “eat healthier” on their list of new year’s resolutions. Replacing chips with fruits or veggies is a simple action that you can do every day to increase both your oral and digestive health. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are good for you, and they can help to keep your teeth free of debris and bacteria throughout your day.

5. Schedule your doctor’s appointments in advance

It’s a whole new year, which means it’s time for you to get your regular checkups scheduled. Call your doctor, dentist, and any specialists to get your yearly appointments onto their calendars.

6. Cut down on sugar

Many people swear off sugar completely in their new year’s resolutions, only to find that they slip up on special occasions, during parties, or when tempted at work. Instead of completely removing sugar from your life, we ask you to consider cutting down on sugar. This is an easier proposition and is a resolution you can stick to all year long. Your teeth – and the rest of your body – will thank you!

7. Book some “me” time

Everyone can use a little bit of pampering. Schedule a massage or see that movie you’ve been wanting to enjoy. If you’re a parent, book the sitter or ask another parent if you can exchange sleepover weekends each month so that you both can take advantage of a little “me” time.

8. Try a new fruit or vegetable every month

There are so many fruits and veggies out there – it’s unlikely that you’ve tried them all! Eat a new fruit or vegetable each month and see if you find a new favorite. Here are twelve you may have never tried – to get you started:

  • Dragonfruit
  • Jicama
  • Radicchio
  • Endive
  • Dudhi
  • Long beans
  • Garlic scapes
  • Jackfruit
  • Loofah
  • Lychee
  • Collard greens
  • Swiss chard

Let us know what else should be on our list! You can head to our Facebook page and comment on the post which features this article to add to the list.

9. Have lunch with a “Facebook” friend

Speaking of Facebook, we are online way too much these days. Ask a friend with whom you’ve lost touch out to lunch or coffee and reconnect.

10. Do something that makes you smile every day

Smiling can help you reduce your stress levels and the stress levels of those around you! So, start your day out with something that makes you smile. You may enjoy reading an online comic, shooting an email to a faraway friend, or singing a silly song with your child. No matter what it is, start your day out with a smile.

Before you begin…

Take a moment prior to tackling your resolutions list to remember that, if you have a moment of weakness or even a bad month – it doesn’t mean you failed! You can always get back onto your feet and restart your healthy habits.

Are you ready to begin? Launch into the new year by getting your next dental checkup and cleaning scheduled! Contact us today.