A Healthier You in 2025

New Year, Healthier You

With each new year, many people resolve to make big changes in their lives. They make plans to lose weight, go to the gym, and do other life-altering things. What you may not realize, though, is that by simply changing some habits, you can improve your health and your life. What will you do this year, to promote your own health in 2025?

Making Lifestyle Changes

There are several shifts you can make in your habits that will benefit your health. Here are a few to consider.

• Don’t smoke or vape. You may have started vaping to quit smoking, but research is increasingly indicating that vaping is detrimental to your health as well.
• Cut down on sugar. Even little things can make a big difference, like swapping out soda for water, or forgoing sugary dessert in favor of fresh fruit.
• Limit your alcohol. Some alcohol is ok, but if you think you are overdoing it, now is a good time to cut back. If you need to, take a dry January or choose another month to eliminate alcohol completely.
• Get enough rest. You may think it’s virtuous to stay busy 24/7, but it could be ruining your health. Doctors recommend six to nine hours a night for adults.
• Take a walk. Regular exercise can be a game changer, so if you are not exercising, start by scheduling a 15 minute walk every day. Build up from there, to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
• Practice self-care. Often, we focus on meeting others’ needs, to our own detriment. Learn to say no when necessary, stop trying to do it all, and make time to show yourself some compassion and care.
• Stop procrastinating. This can be a hard habit to break, but if you look at it as costing you opportunities, it may make it a little bit easier.

Taking Better Care of Your Physical Health

You only get one body, so take these steps to make sure you are not neglecting it.

• Mind your oral health. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body, so brush, floss, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
• Get a checkup. Keeping up with your annual physical will help your doctor catch problems before they become unmanageable.
• Take medications only as directed. It can be tempting to stash away some of that antibiotic or pain medication for the next time you are sick, but this practice can be very damaging to your health. Only take what the doctor orders.
• Have recommended screenings. You may not enjoy going to the doctor when you aren’t sick, but screenings are a good way to keep you from getting sick!
• Protect your sexual health. Safe sex is a must, and so is respecting yourself and your partner. Make sure you are keeping up with the necessary doctor visits to protect your reproductive system.
• Minimize your stress. Stress contributes to a wide variety of physical problems, so learning to manage it is vital to your health and wellbeing.

Maintaining Your Mental Health

Many people, particularly men, tend to neglect their own mental health. To take better care of yours, try these practices.

• Limit your media consumption. Doom scrolling and engaging on social media are habits that can easily suck away your time and your joy.
• Try not to overthink. It is easy to fall into the trap of over analyzing things, but this can lead to anxiety. Challenge negative thoughts and make a point of trusting that you have done all you can, letting the rest be what it will be.
• Pay attention. Often, we overlook our own mental health until we find ourselves in a dark place. Notice when you are starting to have negative feelings and be proactive about managing them.
• Validate your feelings. You are entitled to feel what you feel, without labeling your feelings as negative. Work on accepting your own feelings as valid, and then decide what to do with them.
• Practice mindfulness. Breathing exercises, meditation, and being mindful in the moment can all increase your peace.
• Keep a journal. Try writing down the things you are grateful for, and you may feel happier. If worrying is your problem, schedule time each day to write down your worries, and it will help you set them aside.
• Prioritize a support system. Everyone needs people to support them through good times and bad. Build a support system for yourself and make time to nurture your friendships.

Let Center for Vasectomy Reversal Help Protect Your Reproductive Health

Whether you need medical help with fertility or advice on useful lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your reproductive health, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here for you. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.