Many of us overindulge during the holidays and promise ourselves that we will get our fitness back in the new year. This last year we may have needed that indulgence more than ever. However, when we return to work, and our daily life resumes, it can be difficult to find the motivation to keep up our healthy lifestyle. Here are some great ways we can start our year off on the right foot, and how to maintain our health throughout the year. 

Dental Appointment

According to the American Dental Association, 42% of Americans do not visit the dentist as often as they like. Dental appointments are crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene and will help you prevent inflammation and gum disease. Gum disease and inflammation within the mouth can weaken your immune system in other parts of the body as it tries to fight off the infection within the mouth. Visit a respected and trusted practice like Wahroonga Dental, to ensure you get the best advice and treatment on offer. You can continue to maintain your dental health throughout the year by booking a follow-up appointment for six months and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth as advised. 

Exercise

Exercise can be tricky to squeeze into a busy day, especially if you are not motivated to do it. Try out a few different classes or sports, until you find one that you enjoy. Use the first couple of months of the year to try a new class or activity every week and then use the rest of the year to continue with the fitness regime you prefer. Try to incorporate it into your life as much as possible. For instance, if you enjoy cycling is there any opportunity to commute to work on a bicycle? If you enjoy a sport, then join a team so that you get to know other enthusiasts and the pressure of not letting teammates down will ensure you keep going. 

Diet

Changing your diet can be a shock to the system and hard to keep up if you try to do too much at once. Try to look at your diet and assess if there are one or two changes you could easily make that might have a big difference. Cutting out high sugar drinks and replacing them with water will keep you hydrated and lower your calorie intake. Another example would be trying to replace your chocolate bar with sweet and juicy fruit. Gradual and incremental changes have more chance of becoming a healthy habit that you can build upon. 

Massage

Finally, remember that healthy living does not mean you can’t enjoy yourself. A sports massage will help release any built-up tension and gets your muscles feeling relaxed, flexible, and healthy for the year ahead. There are numerous benefits of a sports massage, and if you find a skilled masseur, then they will soon learn how best to treat your body. If you are taking up a sport or a new fitness regime, book in regular massages as a reward for all the hard work you are putting into your healthcare over the coming year.