Summers in Maine are short, which makes saying goodbye bittersweet. Not long from now, we’ll swap lush gardens for fall foliage and t-shirts for flannels. Change can be hard, but here at DFD Russell Medical Center, we’re embracing fall and the fresh start it brings.
With the kickoff to the new season, we invite you to welcome change too—in your life, your habits, and so much more. Making small changes to your routines can have a drastic improvement on your overall health.
As the seasons change, consider adopting a healthier habit or two:
- Sneak in extra steps: It’s no surprise that exercise is important to good health. If you’re trying to increase your activity level, start small by adding steps to your current routines.
- Next time you’re at the store, park further from the entrance.
- Unloading groceries? Take small loads and a few extra trips.
- If you’re able, opt for stairs over taking the elevator.
- Take your dog for a stroll. They’ll love you for it, and so will your body!
- Start the day with a glass of water: If you struggle to stay hydrated, jumpstart your day (and metabolism!) by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning. Another hydration hack is simply carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. This allows you to sip throughout the day.
- Rethink your screen time: Cell phones and TVs have become an important fixture in our daily lives—and they are great in moderation!
- Consider swapping an hour of screen time for an hour of reading.
- At night, charge your phone on the other side of the room to avoid the temptation to check your notifications or interrupt sleep.
- If you have a smartphone, consider setting screen time limits. Your phone will alert you when you’ve reached your daily limit.
- Fall in love with a new hobby: Finding activities that you enjoy is proven to help your overall wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve mental health. From fishing, to reading, to cooking, there’s a hobby out there for everyone. Fall in love with one (or a few) and include it into your regular routine.
Incorporating these small habits into your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall health and happiness. Remember, it’s the small changes that can make the biggest impact.