Prior to launching this blog, I often shared health-related post through social media outlets. With hundreds of friends/followers, my health-related posts did not get many “Likes”. When hosting health-related events or sharing health-related information through speaking engagements, information tables or in casual conversations – unless the audiences were in some form or fashion connected to health and wellness, interest levels were always low. While this never discouraged me, it further proved my analysis that, health-related posts do not get many “Likes” in real life.

We live in an era where words like organic, gluten-free, and hot yoga are trending. To be sleek and fit are popular goals in this day and age. While diet, nutrition and fitness are integral pieces of health and wellness, words like sexually transmitted diseases, cancer screening, healthcare policy or counseling do not echo from the walls of your local supermarket. People are not only selective about the health and wellness topics they openly converse about, they are selective about which topics they choose to address in general. Achieving optimal health means pulling every piece of the puzzle into the equation. Taking a holistic approach to self-care is not as popular as it appears to be and it leaves me wondering – How in the HEALTH did that happen?

Here are a few suggestions for achieving Optimal Health:

1. New Year – Better “Physical” Me: January always encourages a fresh start for most people. In 2018, schedule an annual physical with your primary care physician. Get lab work and STD screenings (especially if you had a NYE to remember). If you have a predisposition to any diseases (ex: heart disease, breast cancer), get screened. Additionally, schedule a dental exam.
2. Embrace Solitude: Find time to declutter your brain. Practice dedicating a few minutes each day to reflection or meditation. Consider mindful eating, driving, walking or breathing to be present with your thoughts and actions. Escape from your norm to find a small amount of peace each day.
3. Seek Therapy: Find a hobby and make time for it at least once a month. Spend time with the people who make you smile and laugh the hardest. Do what liberates your soul. Seek counseling; it’s a form of self-care. Mental health matters.
4. Get Active and Eat Healthier: [insert statistic] Partake in some form of physical activity regularly. If you have fitness goals, make your intentions clear and execute. Listen to your body and how it responds to the foods and beverages you consume, consume lots of water and make healthier food choices.
5. Be Financially Fit: Reduce and alleviate stress by making smarter financial decisions. Live within your means, set budgets and follow them. Seek the aid of financial counselors.