The start of the New Year can be a time for new beginnings. As many of us set New Year’s resolutions to prioritize our health, I’d like to encourage you to find ways to stay active and eat well, and remember that small changes can have a big impact.
There are so many ways to stay active. Whether it’s enjoying a walk in the community, taking a virtual yoga class or planning a hike with friends—physical activity is shown to help boost energy levels, improve your sleep and reduce stress. I especially enjoy getting outside during the winter months, with skating at an outdoor rink at the top of my list. Healthy eating is also an important part of healthy living, and Canada’s Food Guide (external link) is a great resource to help you start incorporating healthy food choices into your everyday life. Taking care of our physical health through eating well and being active can have a positive impact on our mental health.
Here are a few ways you can incorporate healthy habits within your daily routine:
- Take short active breaks throughout the work day. If you work at a desk, get up and stretch at regular intervals.
- Schedule time for physical activity, such as walking along a local trail.
- Make water your drink of choice.
- Try a new, healthy plant-based recipe.
- Give yourself a break. Set aside a few minutes every day to do something relaxing.
I encourage you to access some of the Region’s health and social service programs to help support a healthy lifestyle. We have a variety of resources and tips to help you stay active and healthy. For the latest information, please visit our Nutrition and Physical Activity page and Mental Health page on halton.ca.
By ensuring our community has access to information and resources on health and well-being, we can keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.