Starting the New Year off Right
By: Trinity Duran
After a rough year filled with uncertainty and fear, it would be natural to not want to make any New Year’s resolutions. However, it cannot hurt to start the new year fresh. Even small changes can set the stage for a successful and healthy year. Here are just a few of ideas to enhance the year through health, self-care, and organization.
Tips on Being Healthier
By: Jackson Nguyen
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, drinking enough water is one of the best ways to get or stay healthy. Proper hydration is important because water helps regulate body temperature and people tend to lose energy when they are dehydrated. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine states that men should drink about 15.5 cups of water per day (about 4-5 typical sized water bottles) and that women should drink about 11.5 cups (or 3-4 typical water bottles) per day, although hydration needs depend on many factors such as activity.
A few tips on eating healthier according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: stick to the same eating schedule and try not to eat late at night. Healthy eating also includes decreasing the amount of added fats and oils as well as adding flavor through herbs, spices and low-fat seasonings while cooking.
Getting enough sleep is also important in order to be healthy. Sleep helps people to not get sick on top of lessening stress and improving moods, according to MyHealthfinder. The National Sleep Foundation guidelines recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Teenagers, however, need more sleep – a recommended eight to ten hours of sleep. So, don’t stay up too late doing homework!
Exercises To Try Out
By: Joseline Hernandez
There are great benefits to exercise such as reducing stress, staying healthy and improving mental health. It also helps to strengthen muscles and bones. According to healthline.com, these are a few suggestions of some at-home workouts to try out.
To work out the core muscles of the body try full sit-ups with arms crossed (two sets of 20), bicycle motion with legs moving up and down (30 seconds) and holding a plank position on your forearms with your back straight (20 seconds). For the lower body, try some lunges by standing with feet paralleled taking one big step forward with the right leg and placing the left leg bent down almost touching the floor (sets of 10 on each leg), high knees (30 seconds) and jump squats with both legs bent in a squat position then jumping up softly with legs straight and step back down ( two sets of 10). Lastly, for the upper body, try some push-ups (two sets of 10), arm scissors by having arms stretched out switching one on top of the other forming a cross shape and some side shoulder taps with arms stretched out then folded and touching the top of the shoulders (two sets of 10).
As with any new exercise routine, be sure to stay safe and consult a health professional.
Staying Organized
By: Ryan Vivar & Kira Garcia
Organization can improve life in many ways according to intermountainhealthcare.org, It can reduce stress, help withfocus and even enhance mental health. Reducing clutter and keeping track of events and goals can help relieve disorder. Here are some tips to make 2021 more organized
- Make a to-do list
Keep a calendar, planner or daily agenda. Use it to keep track of assignments and important dates. A large calendar hung on the wall in front one’s desk of computer can be an easy way to make due dates visible. This can also help save time, reduce stress, and maybe even lead to improved grades!
- Declutter on a regular basis
When everyone is busy, there may not seem to be enough time in the day to clean up and declutter, however, a clean work and sleep space is one of the best ways to reduce stress and feel prepared. Try cleaning up a little but every day instead of waiting a long time and doing a lot of cleaning all at once (or not at all).
Self-Care
By: Christine Vu
It’s been almost a year since quarantine has started and in those long months, it has been easy to forget how to take care of one’s self. Most students are busy with distance learning assignments, college applications, etc. Learning from home can leave students mentally exhausted. It is important to practice self-care on a regular basis. This includes getting plenty of sleep and making sure to take breaks and stretch. When sitting at a desk, make sure to take a ten minute break every hour (this can be all together or broken up into two five minute breaks). Get up and walk around if you can, or at least stand at your desk. Make sure to give your eyes a break from the screen as well. Apps like Calm can also help with guided meditations and calming music. Finally, do not forget to breathe!